Shasan Jay Pataka

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shasan Jay Pataka" based on the provided information:

Book Title: Shasan Jay Pataka (शासन जय पताका) Author: Zaverchand Ramchand Zaveri Publisher: Zaverchand Ramchand Zaveri Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034606/1

Overall Summary:

"Shasan Jay Pataka" is a significant Jain text that addresses a contentious issue within the Jain community concerning the observance of parva tithis (auspicious dates for religious observances) when they experience kshaya (diminution) or vriddhi (increase). The book chronicles a dispute between two prominent Jain Acharyas: Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji and Acharya Vijayaramchandra Sūriji. It presents the arguments, the involvement of various scholars, and ultimately advocates for the traditional viewpoint upheld by Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji.

Key Points and Content:

1. The Dispute: The core of the book lies in the disagreement between Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji and Acharya Vijayaramchandra Sūriji regarding the interpretation of the Jain Shastric injunction: "क्षये पूर्वा तिथिः कार्या, वृद्धौ कार्या तथोत्तरा" (In case of kshaya, observe the previous tithi; in case of vriddhi, observe the latter tithi).

   • Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji: Adheres to the traditional interpretation, emphasizing the sanctity of ancient Jain scriptures and unbroken practices. He believes that in cases of kshaya or vriddhi of a parva tithi, the preceding or succeeding aparva tithi (non-auspicious tithi) should be adjusted to maintain the integrity of the parva tithi observance, ensuring continuity and adherence to established traditions.
   • Acharya Vijayaramchandra Sūriji: Proposes a newer interpretation, suggesting a departure from traditional practices. He relies more on his own reasoning and a different approach to astronomical calculations (likely based on non-Jain Panchangas or a modern interpretation).

2. The Arbitrator's Role and Criticism: Due to the ongoing dispute and its impact on the Jain community, an arbitrator was appointed to settle the matter. However, the book, particularly through the critical analysis by Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Chinnanāmi Shastri, strongly criticizes the arbitrator's decision.

   • The arbitrator is accused of being biased towards Acharya Vijayaramchandra Sūriji's new interpretation.
   • The arbitrator's reasoning is described as flawed, contradictory, and deviating from established Jain principles and the rules of Mimamsa (Jain logic and hermeneutics).
   • Specific criticisms are leveled against the arbitrator for misinterpreting or misrepresenting the views of Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji and for ignoring or downplaying the significance of traditional Jain authorities and jeet vyavahār (established customary practices followed by many generations).

3. Support from Eminent Scholars: A significant portion of the book comprises the opinions and judgments of numerous renowned Sanskrit scholars and Mahamahopadhyayas from various esteemed institutions across India (like Banaras, Mithila, Calcutta, Allahabad, Jaipur, Madras).

   • These scholars, after thoroughly examining the arguments and scriptures, overwhelmingly supported the traditional viewpoint of Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji.
   • They found the arbitrator's decision to be biased and incorrect, while endorsing the adherence to ancient Jain scriptures and practices as advocated by Acharya Sagarānand Sūriji.
   • The book presents these scholarly opinions as strong evidence to validate the correctness of the traditional approach.

4. Interpretation of Shastric Injunctions: The text delves deeply into the exegesis of the key Shastric injunction ("क्षये पूर्वा तिथिः कार्या, वृद्धौ कार्या तथोत्तरा").

   • It argues that the intended meaning, especially within the Jain context, is not to disregard the parva tithi itself but to make necessary adjustments in preceding or succeeding aparva tithis to ensure the parva tithi observance is performed correctly, without breaking the chain of tradition or the sanctity of the parva.
   • It clarifies the astronomical concepts of kshaya and vriddhi as they relate to tithis and their impact on religious observances, emphasizing the Jain perspective which prioritizes sunrise contact (audayiki tithi) for such events.
   • It discusses the importance of jeet vyavahār (practices sanctioned by generations of usage and respected Acharyas) and how the traditional interpretation aligns with it.

5. Critique of Modern Panchangas and Arbitrator's Logic: The book argues that relying solely on modern astronomical calculations or Panchangas that do not consider Jain specific rules can lead to misinterpretations. The arbitrator's reliance on such external interpretations and his logic are thoroughly debunked.

6. Author's Stance and Purpose: The publisher and author, Zaverchand Ramchand Zaveri, present this compilation as a means to uphold the eternal and unadulterated Jain tradition. The book aims to resolve the debate, clarify the truth according to scriptures and tradition, and guide the Jain community towards the correct path of religious observance. It seeks to provide an "unassailable tool" for rejecting the newer interpretation of tithi observances.

In essence, "Shasan Jay Pataka" is a scholarly defense of traditional Jain practices concerning auspicious tithis, presenting a detailed analysis of a specific theological dispute, refuting opposing arguments with scriptural evidence and expert opinions, and reaffirming the authority of ancient Jain wisdom.