Tithi Ane Samvatsari Mat Bhed

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the relevant sections concerning Shrimad Rajchandra's views on Tithi and Samvatsari, and the related discussions:

Book Title: Tithi Ane Samvatsari Mat Bhed (Differences of Opinion Regarding Tithi and Samvatsari) Author: Shrimad Rajchandra Publisher: Prabuddha Jivan, 1948

This document, published in "Prabuddha Jivan" in 1948, features a section dedicated to the differing opinions within the Jain community regarding the observance of specific religious dates (Tithi) and the annual observance of Samvatsari. It begins with an introduction to the book itself and then delves into the core content.

Part 1: Introduction and Felicitation

The initial part of the text discusses the formation of a committee in Mumbai on March 27, 1948, under the chairmanship of Sheth Shri Pranalal Devkaran Nanji. The purpose of this committee was to acknowledge the extensive services rendered by Shri Khushaldasbhai Kapal to the people of Gujarat and Kathiawar by presenting him with a "theli" (a fund or purse). Under the leadership of Shri Gordhandas Bhagwandas, efforts were made to collect funds for this purpose. The report expresses pleasure that approximately Rs. 3,000 had been collected so far, with hopes of reaching Rs. 2.5 lakh. It highlights that such a large sum collected for a public servant's "theli" is a testament to their dedication and popularity. While acknowledging that Shri Khushaldasbhai belongs to the Kapal community, which is known for its wealth and contributed significantly to the fund, the text emphasizes that his welfare activities are not limited to his community. It states that many individuals contributed to the fund not out of any personal obligation to Shri Khushaldasbhai, but purely due to his selfless service and deep commitment to public welfare. Even those not belonging to the Kapal community contributed voluntarily. The note clarifies that its purpose is not to appeal for further donations but to remind anyone who wishes to express their gratitude to Shri Khushaldasbhai to contribute something, even if it's just a "flower's petal," before the "theli" is closed.

Part 2: Shrimad Rajchandra's Views on Tithi and Samvatsari

This section presents excerpts from a book titled "Shrimad Rajchandra," edited by Shri Gopalbhai Jivabhai and published by Punjabhai Granthamala. Shrimad Rajchandra's thoughts on the Tithi and Samvatsari issue are considered valuable and are reproduced here.

Shrimad Rajchandra emphasizes understanding what is truly beneficial in this matter. He advises against arguing for the sake of the tithi itself, but rather to observe the tithi for the protection of the Liletari (likely referring to the preservation of religious practices or traditions). He states that the tithi was established for the protection of practices, not the other way around. Therefore, any rigidity or stubbornness concerning the tithi should be avoided. He stresses that whatever is done with purity of soul is beneficial, while whatever is done with impurity is detrimental. Thus, religious observances should be performed with pure intention.

Regarding the dispute over the day of Samvatsari, Shrimad Rajchandra observes that one faction insists on the fourth day of the lunar fortnight (chath), while another insists on the fifth day (pancham). He declares both factions to be misguided in their insistence. Enlightened individuals have established the tithi for the sake of the soul's progress. If fixed days had not been established, the rules for essential religious observances would not exist. Therefore, the limitation of the tithi for the soul's benefit should be understood, and the distinction between tithis should be set aside. One should not fall into the trap of such debates.

He further explains that tithis were established to help in the practice of detachment. However, instead of detachment, rigid adherence to the tithi has increased. Arguing over tithis is not the path to liberation. If, by chance, the fifth day is missed and the sixth is observed, and the soul possesses tenderness, then it can be fruitful, as the ability to prevent true sin rests with oneself.

Shrimad Rajchandra concludes this section by stating that the senses (sound, form, taste, smell, touch) have been objects of attachment since time immemorial, and it is this attachment that needs to be stopped. The greatest sin is ignorance. He expresses a prayer and earnest plea that the respected figures in today's society understand and accept this simple truth, resolve the issues of tithi and Samvatsari with common sense collectively, and prevent the further fragmentation of society. He wishes for the resolution of the Samvatsari differences through a majority decision.

Part 3: Further Discussion on Samvatsari and Attempts at Resolution

Shri Chaturdas Raychand Shah, in a letter, suggests a method for resolving the Samvatsari date dispute. He proposes inquiring from all Acharyas through the office of the Shravak Jain Derasars in Mumbai or the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi in Ahmedabad. The day that receives the majority opinion should be declared and accepted by all. He assures that he and his followers will adhere to the majority decision. He believes this arrangement will bring peace to the community, allowing everyone to celebrate Samvatsari together harmoniously, thereby fulfilling its purpose. Otherwise, unnecessary disputes will arise, leading to internal conflicts and more harm than benefit from the celebration. He urges Jain leaders to gather the opinions of all Acharyas and arrange for Samvatsari to be celebrated on a single day based on the majority. He believes that making such decisions whenever "Kshaya" or "Vruddhi" tithis occur will bring lasting peace.

The author praises Shri Chaturdas's good intentions but points out that his proposed solution reflects a profound ignorance of the rigid mindset of today's Jain Acharyas. He notes that the Shvetambar Murtipujak community historically had uniform practices regarding festive dates, with everyone observing religious vows and rules on the same days. This uniformity was first disrupted by Shri Vijayaramchandra Suri, who introduced the concept of Tithi Shuddhi (purity of the lunar date), leading to a division. Shri Sagarannand Suri then challenged him, escalating the tithi conflict within the Jain community.

Sheth Kasturbhai Lalbhai, the president of the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, intervened with the sole intention of resolving this dispute. Both prominent Acharyas accepted his arbitration. With the help of Professor Vaidya from Pune, an extremely scholarly judgment was prepared and presented to the public. Those for whom the judgment was favorable accepted it, while those against it withdrew from the arbitration and made accusations against the learned professor. The author concludes that today's Acharyas have excessive pride in their own opinions, and consequently, they are unconcerned about the divisions and disintegration of the Jain community. They are completely unwilling to accept the arbitration or majority decisions on this or other matters.

In the current Samvatsari issue, one side initially had about five or six Acharyas of their sect, while on the other side, Shri Sagarannand Suri was initially alone. Yet, they failed to accept the commonsense principle that there should be no community-wide differences in such matters and did not abandon their insistence on their own views. If they had, they wouldn't be Sagarannand Suri. The author believes that the dispute can only be resolved if, in matters of religious practice, the consideration of the purity or impurity of the lunar date is made secondary. Instead, the importance of the entire community collectively observing religious vows and rules, whether on one day or another, should be prioritized. This is because the scriptural debate on tithi shuddhi is unlikely to reach a conclusion acceptable to both parties at any time. However, there is very little hope of such common sense emerging among the scholarly Acharyas of today. The author foresees the destiny of the Jain community to be one of self-diminishment through mutual conflict.

Part 4: Congratulations to New J.P.s and Honorary Magistrates

The latter part of the document congratulates Jain individuals appointed as Justices of the Peace (J.P.) and Honorary Magistrates by the Government of Mumbai Province. It mentions that previously appointed J.P.s and Honorary Magistrates have been relieved of their posts, and a new long list of J.P.s and Honorary Magistrates for Mumbai and Greater Mumbai has been released, including 31 Jains. Several of these individuals are associated with the Mumbai Jain Youth Association, and the association extends its heartfelt congratulations to them. The document lists the names of these newly appointed individuals, including prominent Jain figures and women. It expresses the hope that these individuals will always be ready to serve the entire Jain community and thus enhance the honor of the Jain society.

Overall Summary:

The document "Tithi Ane Samvatsari Mat Bhed" by Shrimad Rajchandra, as presented in "Prabuddha Jivan" (1948), addresses two main themes: a felicitation for a social worker and a detailed discussion on the divisive issue of Tithi and Samvatsari observance within the Jain community.

Shrimad Rajchandra's contribution strongly advocates for prioritizing the spirit of religious practice and inner purity over rigid adherence to specific lunar dates. He criticizes the argumentative nature of some Jain Acharyas regarding the Samvatsari date, emphasizing that such disputes are detrimental to the community and the spiritual progress of individuals. He calls for collective decision-making based on common sense and a focus on the essence of religious observance rather than the minutiae of calendar dates.

The accompanying discussions highlight the deep-seated divisions caused by these disagreements, the failed attempts at arbitration, and the perceived inflexibility of religious leaders. The text expresses a yearning for unity and a more pragmatic approach to religious practices. The latter part of the document shifts to congratulating Jain individuals appointed to positions of honor, showcasing the community's engagement in public service.