Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" by Chandraguptasuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato (Conversations of Compromise Without Truth)

Author/Compiler: P. A. Bh. Shri. Vi. ChandraGupta Suri M. (Compiled under the guidance of Paramshasan Prabhaavaka P. P. Sw. A. Bh. Shri. Vi. Ramchandra Suri M. Sa., disciple of P. Sw. A. Bh. Shri. Vi. MuktiChandra Suri M. Sa.)

Publisher: Shree Anekant Prakashan Jain Religious Trust

Core Argument:

This book is a critique and refutation of a booklet titled "Tithi Ange Satya ane Samadhan" (Truth and Compromise Regarding Dates) authored by A. Shri. V. AbhayShekhar Suriji. The author of "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" argues that the booklet by AbhayShekhar Suriji, despite its title, lacks truth and, consequently, does not offer genuine compromise.

Key Criticisms and Arguments Presented in "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato":

1. Misinterpretation of "Bhav Satya" (True Essence):

   • The booklet by AbhayShekhar Suriji claims that performing worship on the same day by the entire Jain Sangh (community) constitutes "Bhav Satya."
   • The author of "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" argues that this interpretation is false and goes against the true essence of Jain teachings. True "Bhav Satya" lies in worshipping according to the exact words and commands of Lord Mahavir, not in a forced uniformity of worship days.
   • The author states that there is no scriptural basis for the idea that worshipping on a single day achieves "Bhav Satya."

2. Rejection of "Lokik Panchang" (Conventional Almanac) and Promotion of a "Jain Panchang":

   • AbhayShekhar Suriji dismisses the conventional almanac as un-Jain and proposes creating a new "Jain Panchang" to ensure worship on a single day.
   • The author of "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" questions the source of astronomical data for this new "Jain Panchang" (e.g., sunrise, planetary movements, constellations, zodiac beginnings).
   • The author criticizes the hypocrisy of using a "Jain Panchang" for worship but a conventional almanac for auspicious timings ("Muhurta"). This dual standard, the author claims, indicates a corrupt motive, prioritizing spiritual correctness over accurate timing for material gains.

3. Misinterpretation of Scriptural Pronouncements (Praghoshas):

   • The author refutes AbhayShekhar Suriji's interpretation of scriptural pronouncements (Praghoshas) attributed to Shri Hemchandrasuri and Shri Umāsvāti.
   • Specifically, the author argues that the concept of "Udayat Tithi" (the tithi that prevails at sunrise) is central, and when a tithi is diminished or extended, worship is performed on the preceding or succeeding day as per scriptural injunctions, not because "Udayat Tithi" is secondary.
   • The author asserts that focusing on "Udayat Tithi" is primary, and the idea of "Udayat Tithi being secondary" is a misrepresentation.

4. Critique of "One Day Worship" Mentality:

   • The author strongly criticizes the notion that the sole objective is for everyone to worship on the same day. This, according to the author, is a superficial approach that disregards the precise scriptural directives.
   • The author emphasizes that true well-being lies in adhering to the Lord's words and commands, not in forced unity or convenience.
   • The analogy is drawn: if one believes that "any time is fine for good deeds," does one also believe that "any time is fine for worship"? This highlights the flawed logic.

5. Debunking the Calendar Change of 2014 (V.S. 2014):

   • AbhayShekhar Suriji cites the change in the Sangh-accepted almanac in V.S. 2014 as support for his argument.
   • The author of "Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" clarifies that the change in V.S. 2014 was made because there was no scriptural impediment, and the previous almanac had a tithi reduction ("Kshay") that the new one corrected, leading to a single-day celebration for Samvatsari.
   • The author contrasts this with the current situation (V.S. 2061), where accepting a different almanac to avoid a single-day difference would violate the scriptural command against transgressing the 360-day cycle.

6. The Importance of "Udayat Tithi" and Location-Specific Calculations:

   • The author acknowledges that sunrise times vary by location, thus affecting "Udayat Tithi." However, the author argues that this is a consistent issue for both sides of the debate.
   • The author believes that ideally, worship should occur on the "Udayat Tithi" specific to each location.
   • The author criticizes those who disregard the "Udayat Tithi" for major festivals like Samvatsari but then raise the issue of location-specific tithi differences.

7. Rejection of "Compromise Without Truth" and the Role of the Sangh:

   • The author states that the Sangh has no authority to make decisions that contradict scriptures. Accepting non-scriptural decisions leads to sins like false belief ("Mithyatva").
   • The author questions the nature of a Sangh that promotes unscriptural resolutions over scriptural truths.
   • The author mocks the idea that if everyone followed God's words, disputes would end.

8. Critique of AbhayShekhar Suriji's Interpretation of a Deer Story:

   • AbhayShekhar Suriji used an example of lying to save a deer to justify his position.
   • The author explains that the story was meant to illustrate situations where the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) might necessitate prioritizing a greater good over absolute adherence to truth-telling or silence.
   • The author accuses AbhayShekhar Suriji of misusing this illustration to undermine the fundamental teachings of Lord Mahavir and justify forced unity ("Ekta") that is detached from scripture.

9. Rejection of "Jain Panchang" Calculations and the "No Tithi Reduction" Myth:

   • The author dismisses the idea that a new "Jain Panchang" can be created by altering calculations to prevent tithi reductions.
   • The author argues that this new approach is based on a false belief that festival tithis ("Parva Tithi") should never be reduced.
   • The author highlights that the new "Jain Panchang" still relies on conventional almanacs for leap months ("Adhik Maas") and is silent on planetary and stellar calculations, revealing its lack of authenticity and dependence on secular almanacs.
   • The author points out that the calculations in the proposed "Jain Panchang" are artificial and inaccurate, often misplacing important festivals.

10. The True Principle is "Udayat Tithi" Worship, Not "One Day Worship":

    • The author reiterates that the scriptural principle is to worship the "Udayat Tithi," not necessarily to ensure everyone worships on the exact same calendar day across all locations.
    • While recognizing the need for a unified calendar, the author emphasizes that this should be achieved by understanding and following the correct "Udayat Tithi" for each location, even if it means using localized, subtle almanacs. This adherence to "Udayat Tithi" fulfills the scriptural mandate.

Conclusion:

"Satya Vinani Samdhanni Vato" serves as a strong rebuttal to a particular interpretation of Jain calendar practices and the concept of "Bhav Satya." The author champions adherence to the precise scriptural pronouncements of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing the centrality of "Udayat Tithi" in religious observance. The book criticizes the idea of forced unity and compromise that deviates from these core principles, labeling such attempts as attempts to mislead and ultimately detrimental to the Jain faith. The author calls for a return to scripturally-sound practices in determining and observing tithis.