Vadodarama Shrimad Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharajna Sanghadana Muni Sammelane Karela Tharavo

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vadodarama Shrimad Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharajna Sanghadana Muni Sammelane Karela Tharavo" (Resolutions Passed at the Muni Conference of the Community of Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj in Vadodara):

This book documents the resolutions passed at a significant conference of Jain monks held in Vadodara (formerly Baroda) in June 1912. The conference was convened under the leadership of Acharya Shri Vijaykamal Surishwarji, a disciple of the esteemed Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj (also known as Atmaramji Maharaj). A large number of monks and sadhwis from Shri Atmaramji Maharaj's community were in attendance, along with many local and visiting lay followers.

The book is a second edition, published by the Jain Yuvak Sangh (Jain Youth Association) of Vadodara. The preface explains the need for this re-publication. It highlights that an earlier Hindi version of the resolutions omitted a crucial exchange of letters between Manganlal Manekchand Parekh and Manganlal Ranchhoddas Modi, and their response. This omission led some monks to question the authenticity of the resolutions and declare them void, leading to instances of defiance and misbehavior in various locations, tarnishing the sanctity of initiation and causing discord. The preface asserts that this Gujarati edition faithfully presents the original resolutions without any alteration, encouraging the Jain community to read, reflect, and question those who disregard the resolutions and cause strife within society. It also mentions the inclusion of a devotional poem dedicated to the Guru in this edition, with thanks extended to Bhai Savaichand Jagjivandas Jhaveri for bearing the publication costs.

The core of the book is the list of 24 resolutions passed at the Muni Conference. These resolutions cover various aspects of monastic conduct, discipline, and responsibilities:

Key Themes and Resolutions:

• Discipline and Obedience:

  • Resolution 1: All monks must perform their Chathurmas (four-month monastic retreat) as directed by the current Acharya. They should accept the Acharya's decision even if they have a personal preference for a different location.
  • Resolution 2: Monks should not undertake a second Chathurmas consecutively in the same place without a significant reason. Upon completion of a Chathurmas, they should immediately proceed with their pilgrimage (Vihar), unless the Acharya permits an extension due to compelling circumstances.
  • Resolution 3: Monks should not travel alone; a minimum of two monks should always be together. If a situation arises where a monk must travel alone, they need a written permission from the Acharya.
  • Resolution 4: If a monk becomes displeased with their current companion, they cannot join another monk without the Acharya's permission.
  • Resolution 5: A monk who has renounced their vows after initiation cannot be re-initiated without the Acharya's permission. This also applies to those who are not part of the "Samveg Paksh" (a group adhering to specific practices), urging them to follow the Acharya's guidance as much as possible.
  • Resolution 14: Monks are permitted to open and read letters addressed to monks under their Chathurmas or supervision, and share them only if deemed appropriate. However, only senior monks (Vada Sadhus) have the authority to manage correspondence. Other monks should route their requests through these senior monks.
  • Resolution 21: Monks should not get involved in internal disputes or conflicts among fellow monks or lay followers. If involvement is necessary for a religious reason, it must be with the Acharya's permission.
  • Resolution 22: The conference expresses deep sorrow over the lack of unity among monks, especially those from different Gachhas (sects) or with different Gurus. It emphasizes that this disunity hinders the progress of monasticism and urges monks to take measures to resolve such conflicts.
  • Resolution 23: The conference strongly disapproves of the practice of some monks conferring discipleship in a way that is contrary to the times and customs, leading to criticism and difficulties for the monastic community. It warns that monks engaging in such practices will face strict consequences from the Acharya.

• Monastic Practices and Conduct:

  • Resolution 6: Monks are encouraged to undertake pilgrimages (Vihar) to various regions of India, beyond just major cities in Gujarat. This is to spread Jainism in areas like Marwar, Mewar, Malwa, Punjab, Kutch, Vagad, and the South and East, where the Jain population is declining due to a lack of monastic presence.
  • Resolution 7: The practice of "loch" (pulling out hair by hand) should be maintained. However, in cases of eye diseases or other serious ailments, monks may shave their heads with the Guru's permission, but those who shave must allow their hair to grow for at least four to six months according to scriptural guidelines.
  • Resolution 8: It is against scriptures for householders to bring clothes to the Upashray (monastic dwelling) and offer them to monks. Monks should instead go to the homes of householders to obtain clothes as needed.
  • Resolution 9: Monks should not allow householders to carry their equipment unless there is a special reason, such as the traveler being a child, elderly, or sick.
  • Resolution 10: Except for children, the elderly, or the sick, all monks must observe a fast on Chaturdashi (the 14th day of the lunar fortnight) while on pilgrimage.
  • Resolution 11: Monks must engage in daily scriptural study or meditation, reciting at least 100 shlokas (verses). If this is not possible, they should count a mala (rosary) of the Navkar mantra.
  • Resolution 12: Monks should not use spectacles with gold, silver, or similarly shiny frames.
  • Resolution 13: Monks should offer public religious discourses to non-Jains according to their suitability and the Acharya's instructions. They may also attend public lectures of any nature (Jain or non-Jain) if it is appropriate and permitted by the Acharya.
  • Resolution 15: Monks should provide assistance, to the best of their ability, to any virtuous non-Jain individual who undertakes charitable activities like promoting animal welfare.
  • Resolution 17: New monks should not be engaged in advanced studies like grammar until they have mastered at least five Pratikramans, four chapters of the Dashavaikalika Sutra, Jiv Vichar, and Navtattva, along with their meanings.
  • Resolution 18: The practice of not getting clothes washed by Sadhvis or householders should be maintained. Other monks who engage in this practice should be gently advised to refrain from it.
  • Resolution 19: The conference disapproves of some monks possessing expensive clothes like "Dhusā" (a type of wool). It resolves that monks should henceforth use Punjabi or Bikaneri blankets or similar inexpensive blankets.
  • Resolution 20: Before initiating someone, monks should test the candidate for at least one month, to the best of their ability, and inform the candidate's parents, siblings, spouse, etc., through registered mail. The monk should also ensure they have the means to inform the relatives when the candidate arrives for initiation.

• Community and Social Responsibility:

  • Resolution 16: The conference commends the restraint shown by monks, particularly Pravartak Shri Kantivijayji and Muni Shri Vallabhvijayji, in dealing with a provocative incident involving a person named Mohanlal Lallubhai from Ahmedabad. Their calm approach prevented further escalation. The conference recommends maintaining such composure in similar future situations.
  • Resolution 24: The conference expresses gratitude to Maharaja Shri Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara for his benevolent rule, which enabled the peaceful conduct of this religious gathering and the progress of religion. It prays for the continued success of such religious activities and for peace throughout the land under his just reign.

The book also includes a letter from Manganlal Manekchand Parekh and Manganlal Ranchhoddas Modi to the Muni Conference, raising concerns about certain lay followers who are being treated as religious gurus, engaging in worship practices similar to those for Tirthankaras, and displaying images of householders alongside those of Tirthankaras. They question the scriptural validity of such practices and the legitimacy of calling oneself a spiritual person while being engrossed in worldly pleasures.

The response to this letter, also included in the book, clearly states that according to Jain scriptures, householders cannot be considered religious gurus, and any worship or veneration of them as such is against Jain doctrine. It condemns those who consider themselves spiritual while indulging in worldly pursuits and those who adopt the guise of monks without adhering to the scriptural descriptions of monastic attire. The response unequivocally declares such practices as a violation of Jain teachings.

In essence, this book serves as a historical record of important disciplinary and behavioral guidelines established for the Jain monastic community, aiming to uphold the purity of the faith and ensure the spiritual progress of its followers. It also reflects a period of internal discourse and the assertion of established monastic authority.