Sat Kshetrano Mahima - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sat Kshetrano Mahima" by Chandrakant Mehta:

The text, "Sat Kshetrano Mahima" (The Glory of Seven Fields), outlines the administration of a Jain temple and the distribution of donations within the Jain community. It identifies seven essential "fields" or areas of focus for temple administration and financial allocation:

Jin Pratima (Idols of Tirthankaras): This refers to the idols of the Tirthankaras housed within the temple.
Jin Mandir (Jain Temple): The temple structure itself and its upkeep.
Jin Aagam (Jain Scriptures): The sacred Jain texts and their preservation.
Sadhu (Monks): Male ascetics who follow the Jain path.
Sadhvi (Nuns): Female ascetics who follow the Jain path.
Shravak (Male Householders): Lay male followers of Jainism.
Shravika (Female Householders): Lay female followers of Jainism.

The text then categorizes the four types of donations (Dravya) received and their corresponding allocations:

Dev Dravya (Devotional Wealth):
- Sources: Donations for Jin Pratima and Jin Mandir, such as offerings for idol installation (Pratishtha), abhishekam (ritual bathing), Angi (decoration of idols), Rathyatra (chariot processions), Aarti (worship with lamps), Mangal Diwo (auspicious lamp), Shanti Kalash (peace pitcher), offerings placed on idols, Bhandar (treasury) in the Rangmandap (dancing hall), ingredients for Ashtaprakari Puja (eight types of worship), and contributions for building new temples or renovating existing ones.
- Usage: Exclusively for the renovation of temples (Jirnoddhar) and the construction of new temples. It cannot be diverted to Gyan Dravya, Guru Dravya, or Sadharan Dravya.
- Spiritual Significance: The text emphasizes that misappropriating Dev Dravya leads to severe karmic consequences, specifically binding the "Darshan Mohaniya" (delusion of right faith) karma, which causes endless cycles of rebirth. This is supported by a quotation from Acharya Shri Devendrasurishwarji Maharaj.
Gyan Dravya (Knowledge Wealth):
- Sources: Donations for the worship of knowledge (Gyan Pujan), offerings on Gyan Panchami (a day dedicated to knowledge), contributions for sutras during Pratikraman (repentance rituals), and offerings for bringing the Kalpasutra (a sacred text) during Paryushan (a period of fasting and reflection).
- Usage: Can be used for building libraries, publishing religious books, constructing bookshelves, and purchasing religious CDs/DVDs for study.
Guru Dravya (Spiritual Guide Wealth):
- Sources: This category is primarily related to the support of Sadhus and Sadhvis.
- Usage & Context: The text notes that the services of Sadhus and Sadhvis are not readily available in foreign countries like America, hence the scope of Guru Dravya's direct use is limited. However, if needed, funds from Sadharan Dravya can be used for the Veyavachch (service and support) of Sadhus and Sadhvis.
Sadharan Dravya (General Wealth):
- Sources: This is the most comprehensive category and includes a wide range of donations such as offerings for the installation of deities (Dev-Devi Pratishtha), Bhandar amounts for deities, donations for multi-purpose halls, contributions for naming oneself as a patron on invitation cards, offerings for becoming the character in Kumarpal's Aarti, contributions for performing Sanghpujan (communal worship), and offerings for applying tilak to virtuous individuals.
- Usage: This is the most flexible category. It can be used for various community welfare activities, including:
  - Shravak-Shravika Bhakti: Devotion and service to lay followers.
  - Sadharmik Vatsalya: Compassionate support for fellow Jains.
  - Multi-purpose Hall: Construction and maintenance of community halls.
  - Dining Hall: For communal meals.
  - Upashray (Paushadhshala): Residential facilities for ascetics or fasting retreats.
  - Ayambil: Support for fasting rituals.
  - Pathshala: Educational institutions.
  - Anukampa: Compassion.
  - Jivdaya: Compassion for all living beings.
  - As a fallback, it can also be used for Guru Dravya, Gyan Dravya, and Dev Dravya if there's a deficit.
- Sub-categories: The text mentions that sometimes a "Sarvasadharan Dravya" (all-encompassing general wealth) account is kept as a sub-category of Sadharan Dravya, specifically for activities like Jivdaya (animal welfare), Anukampa (compassion), and Sadharmik Bhakti. Funds specifically designated for Jivdaya are strictly for animal welfare (rescuing animals from slaughterhouses, cattle shelters, bird feed, etc.) and cannot be used elsewhere. However, general Sadharan Dravya can be used across all permitted activities.

The text strongly emphasizes the crucial role of Shravaks and Shravikas as custodians of all these seven fields. They are described as the caretakers, and their responsibility is immense. The example of Trishla Mata and the birth of Lord Mahavir highlights the foundational role of lay followers.

The author addresses a common misconception that donating to Dev Dravya alone brings the most merit. Instead, the text advocates for donating to weakest account, arguing that strengthening the weaker areas of the Jain administration yields greater merit.

The book concludes with an appeal for contributions to the Sadharan Dravya for community projects like building a multi-purpose hall, dining hall, and caretaker homes. It highlights that despite having sufficient facilities for the temple and library, these community spaces require funding. The author suggests that if each family contributes a significant amount, the projects can be successfully completed, ensuring the intellectual, religious, and spiritual development of future generations.

The text also briefly mentions a Student Volunteer Program at the Jain Center of New Jersey, encouraging young Jains to participate in community activities and develop a sense of responsibility and compassion.

In essence, "Sat Kshetrano Mahima" provides a structured framework for understanding and managing Jain temple finances and community resources, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of Jain practice and the vital responsibility of the lay community.