Tithi Prashne Saral Samaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tithi Prashne Saral Samaj" by Divyakirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tithi Prashne Saral Samaj (A Simple Understanding of the Tithi Question) Author: Muni Divyakirtivijay (disciple of Muni Darshnabhushan, disciple of Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji) Publisher: Kiran B Shah, Mumbai

Core Subject: The book addresses the complexities and disagreements within the Jain community regarding the observance of auspicious dates (tithis), particularly during festivals and significant events like Paryushan and Samvatsari. It aims to provide a clear, scripture-based understanding of how to determine the correct tithi when there are variations like "Kshaya" (fading) or "Vriddhi" (extension) of a tithi.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

1. The Problem of Kshaya and Vriddhi: The book explains that unlike Gregorian dates which have a fixed cycle, Jain tithis are based on the waxing and waning of the moon. This celestial movement can cause a tithi to be shorter than a full day (Kshaya) or longer, extending into the next day's sunrise (Vriddhi).

2. Scriptural Guidance for Kshaya/Vriddhi:

   • The central scriptural principle cited is from Acharya Umaswati (quoted from texts like Pradosh, Dharmasangrah, Shraddhavidhi):
     • "क्षये पूर्वा तिथिः कार्या, वृद्धौ कार्या तथोत्तरा । श्री वीर निर्वाणं कार्य, लोकानुगैरिह ॥"
     • Meaning: In case of Kshaya (fading), the previous tithi should be observed. In case of Vriddhi (extension), the subsequent tithi should be observed. The Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavir should be performed according to the world's practice (Lok-anugai).
   • This principle, the author argues, means that if a tithi is shorter than a day (Kshaya), its observance should be on the preceding tithi. If a tithi is longer (Vriddhi), its observance should be on the following tithi.

3. The "Udyaat Tithi" Principle: The book strongly emphasizes the principle that the tithi present at sunrise (Udyaat Tithi) is generally considered the valid tithi for observances. This is supported by scriptural verses like:

   • "उदयंमि जा तिहि सा पमाणमिअरीड़ कीरमाणीए आणाभंगणवत्था, मिच्छत्त विराहणं पावे ॥"
   • Meaning: The tithi that is present at sunrise is the standard. If another tithi is observed, it leads to transgression of the Tirthankar's command, disorder, wrong belief (Mithyatva), and transgression (Viradhana).

4. The "Two-Tithi" vs. "One-Tithi" Debate: The book highlights a major point of contention:

   • "Two-Tithi" (Dvi-Tithi Paksha): This side generally accepts that tithis can be extended (Vriddhi) or shortened (Kshaya), and if a tithi extends to two sunrises, it is indeed a "double tithi" (like two Panchamis). They follow the scriptural rules for Kshaya and Vriddhi.
   • "One-Tithi" (Ek-Tithi Paksha): This side believes that festival tithis (Parva Tithis), such as Panchami, Ashtami, etc., should not experience Kshaya or Vriddhi. They argue for maintaining the original tithi, often by adjusting the preceding or succeeding tithis to prevent Kshaya or Vriddhi of the festival tithi itself. This often involves re-labeling or "bending" the rules of Kshaya and Vriddhi for festival tithis.

5. Critique of the "One-Tithi" Argument:

   • The author argues that there is no scriptural basis for the idea that festival tithis cannot have Kshaya or Vriddhi.
   • Historical evidence, including commentaries from after Jagadguru Shri Hirsurishwarji Maharaj's time, suggests that even festival tithis experienced Kshaya and Vriddhi.
   • The interpretation of scriptures by the "One-Tithi" proponents to avoid Kshaya/Vriddhi of festival tithis is presented as flawed and inconsistent, often selectively applying rules.
   • The author contends that the "One-Tithi" approach leads to violations of scriptural principles and can cause confusion, especially when other auspicious days (like Kalyanaks) are tied to the preceding or succeeding tithis.

6. The Case of Samvatsari:

   • The book specifically addresses the Samvatsari festival (usually on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi).
   • The author argues that for centuries, the Udyaat tithi (tithi at sunrise) has been the basis for observing Samvatsari. If Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi falls on a Wednesday at sunrise, it is observed on Wednesday. If it happens to be shorter and the next day is Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami, then the Chaturthi is considered "Kshaya," and the observance should be on the preceding day (Wednesday), not by shifting it to Thursday.
   • The book strongly criticizes the departure from this established practice, particularly citing events in 1952 and 1992 where a shift from the Udyaat Chaturthi for Samvatsari occurred, allegedly due to the influence of specific monks (like P.P. Sagarji Maharaj) and a departure from the scriptural "Udyaat Tithi" principle for this major festival.

7. Historical Context and Disagreements:

   • The book traces the origins of the tithi dispute to a decline in adherence to scriptural principles after the time of Jagadguru Shri Hirsurishwarji Maharaj, with an increase in the influence of "yati" (ascetics who were not fully aligned with strict Jain monasticism).
   • It mentions attempts at reconciliation and arbitration, such as a debate mediated by Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai, which unfortunately failed to resolve the core issue, with accusations of one party (P.P. Sagarji Maharaj) undermining the outcome.
   • The book also criticizes certain "panchang" (almanacs) for contributing to confusion by misrepresenting tithi calculations for the sake of simplicity, especially for rural followers.

8. The True Meaning of Tradition (Parampara) and Practice (Vyavahar):

   • The author emphasizes that true tradition and practice must align with scripture (Shruta-anusaaren). Practices that contradict scriptures are not considered valid traditions, even if followed by many or influential figures.
   • The book stresses the importance of seeking the truth based on scriptures and adhering to the principles laid down by the Tirthankaras.

9. Call to Action: The book urges followers to understand the truth, stand firm in it, resist incorrect traditions, and actively support the propagation of correct scriptural understanding. It concludes with a plea for leaders and scholars to resolve the tithi issue based on scriptures for the true unity of the Sangha.

In essence, "Tithi Prashne Saral Samaj" is a scholarly work arguing for a return to scriptural adherence regarding the calculation and observance of Jain tithis, particularly critiquing practices that deviate from the "Udyaat Tithi" principle and the rules for Kshaya/Vriddhi, especially concerning major festivals like Samvatsari. It aims to clarify a complex issue and guide the Jain community towards a more accurate and consistent observance of their religious calendar.