On the occasion of of the Sadhu Sadhavi Sammelan 2015, I am sharing my ideas and strategies for strengthening Shraman Sangh for the cause of nation building and the way forward
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Contents
Preface...................................................................................37
Sammelan: A call for harnessing Jain principles for nation building .....39
Shraman Sangh: Towards a new generation, new thoughts and new
direction.................................................................................41
Action Plan for Training of Sadhus/Sadhavis ....................................45
Channelizing Woman Power by Creation of Sadhavi wing under Shraman
Sangh .....................................................................................49
Action Plan for Creation of a Selfless, Committed Cadre of
Sadhak/Sadhika/PracharakforShramanSangh.........................................53
Ideal Chaturmas: A New Perspective .............................................57
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Preface
Date: 9th March 2015
To,
Parampujya Acharya Samrat Dr. Shivmuniji. M.S. and to all respected
Sadhus/Sadhavis,
Koti Koti Vandan!
On the occasion of the Sadhu Sammelan organized under the aegis of the All
India Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Conference held at the behest of HтАЩable
Acharya Dr. Shri Shivmuniji M.S and led under the able leadership of
respected Shri Neminath ji Jain, I hereby extend my warmest and deepest
regards to one and all.
It is an earnest desire on behalf of the entire Jain community for the
Shraman Sangh to emerge as a powerful institution prepared to scale much
greater heights. This Sadhu Sammelan -March 2015 will establish itself as a
major milestone for our community as well as our nation. We must ensure
that such a momentous and promising occasion which has arisen after 28
long years must not go waste and should herald the beginning of a very
decisive and fundamental journey to be undertaken in the times to come.
With this intent, I had the privilege to share my ideas and thoughts with
Shri Neminath ji and few other senior office bearers two months back
during my visit to Indore, with a view to strengthening Shraman Sangh in
different ways. In order to take these ideas forward Shri Neminath ji urged
me along with Shri Shantilal ji Kawad, a very senior leader of the Jain
Samaj to offer ourselves in the advisory role for this Sadhu Sammelan. Shri
Shantilal ji Kawad is a very charismatic leader of the Jain Samaj and he
took the pains to visit me in Pune to understand my views in greater depth.
Subsequently we also got the opportunity to exchange our ideas with
Parampujya Acharya Shri Dr. Shivmuniji M.S, few senior Sadhus/Sadhavis
and the office bearers of Shraman Sangh.
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It was decided that we should offer some fundamental suggestions to
Acharya ji in this regard. Hence this is a humble attempt from my si
put forth my personal views to strengthen the institution of Shraman
Sangh. I neither possess nor claim to possess the capability to offer
тАШsuggestionsтАЩ to somebody of Acharya jiтАЩs stature. Hence I sincerely request
you all to consider these views as a perspective, and as a prerogative and
not in the form of suggestions. The views presented by me are entirely my
own and revolve around several important topics/issues. By no means are
these views to be construed as the final expression of my thought pro
This is simply an attempt to touch upon certain critical aspects. Shri
Shantilal ji Kawad may also have his personal views and perspectives in this
regard. Multiple means can be conceived towards achieving a common end.
These views can also be presented and articulated in different ways by
different people. The decisions taken by HтАЩable Acharya ji based on these
thoughts will be binding on the entire Jain community and will be abided by
everyone with deepest regard and commitment.
Service to Jainism and service to the community is the sole objective behind
this effort. I have absolutely no intent of criticizing or causing hurt to the
sentiments of any Sadhu/Sadhavi and/or office bearer. I have only
attempted to offer my views with a multi dimensional perspective. I would
like to offer my sincere apologies in case my views offend anybody
inadvertently.
Yours obediently,
Shantilal Muttha
It was decided that we should offer some fundamental suggestions to
Acharya ji in this regard. Hence this is a humble attempt from my side to
put forth my personal views to strengthen the institution of Shraman
Sangh. I neither possess nor claim to possess the capability to offer
тАШsuggestionsтАЩ to somebody of Acharya jiтАЩs stature. Hence I sincerely request
a perspective, and as a prerogative and
not in the form of suggestions. The views presented by me are entirely my
own and revolve around several important topics/issues. By no means are
these views to be construed as the final expression of my thought process.
This is simply an attempt to touch upon certain critical aspects. Shri
Shantilal ji Kawad may also have his personal views and perspectives in this
regard. Multiple means can be conceived towards achieving a common end.
ted and articulated in different ways by
different people. The decisions taken by HтАЩable Acharya ji based on these
thoughts will be binding on the entire Jain community and will be abided by
Service to Jainism and service to the community is the sole objective behind
this effort. I have absolutely no intent of criticizing or causing hurt to the
sentiments of any Sadhu/Sadhavi and/or office bearer. I have only
multi dimensional perspective. I would
like to offer my sincere apologies in case my views offend anybody
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Sammelan: A call for harnessing Jain principles
for nation building
Spreading the message of Jainism
Jainism, one of the oldest religions, prescribes a path of ahimsa and self
control, the means by which its followers can attain liberation. It is a
religion deeply rooted in the cardinal principles of Ahimsa (non violence),
Aparigriha ( non possessiveness) and Anekantavada (non absolutism) as is
evident from the teachings of the Lord Mahavir. Such is the profundity of
these thoughts of Lord Mahavir that Mahatma Gandhi was himself an ardent
practitioner of some of the principles espoused by Lord Mahavir .
The philosophy and principles of Jainism have been eternally relevant for
the furtherance of mankind and nature. They especially find great merit in
todayтАЩsтАЩ turbulent times wrecked by hatred, violence, injustice and
intolerance. These principles are increasingly being researched worldwide
and are being acknowledged as the panacea for the disquiet that is looming
large upon the world. As followers of this great religion, we are all blessed
to inherit a rich tradition of principles and beliefs that have the power to
take each one of us on the path of spiritual purity and enlightenment. This
legacy that has been bequeathed on us is not without good reason. This
inheritance comes with a message; a message that we all are the
ambassadors of each of the profound principles which forms the cornerstone
of Jainism and that we must all strive to follow the path suggested by Lord
Mahavir.
It is with this spirit that we must assume the moral responsibility of letting
go of our petty squabbles that can consume us simply because they are a
part of our present and affect our daily existence. If we are to be the true
practitioners of Jain principles we must empower ourselves to think and act
beyond the mundane, think beyond our mutual differences which are
inconsequential in relation to the larger cause of Jainsim. We must
concentrate on ways and means to propagate these principles and infuse the
world at large with their goodness.
Jains, as a community constitute barely 0.5% of the total population of India
and Shraman Sangh is a miniscule part of this minority. However, inspite of
this fact the Jains possess a treasure trove of the most fundamental
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principles of life which have been passed on from one generation to the
next. This asset created by the devout followers of Jainism, of which the
Shraman Sangh forms an integral part, should be utilized for the society at
large and not be restricted only to the Jain community. The Sangh is an
amalgamation of some of the most powerful thinkers and ambassadors of the
Jain philosophy and it is of utmost importance that their views, their
discourses be brought into the mainstream and be made available to a wider
audience. The contribution of Jains should spread out throughout the socio-
political landscape of the country and in the international circles. The Sangh
must endeavour to make the Jain presence felt, seen and heard more
emphatically from a wide range of media platforms available.
This has to be done with a sense of urgency and in a focused manner.
A possible line of action to this effect is proposed as follows:
a) The Shraman Sangh should constitute a committee of Sadhus and
Sadhavis which should be entrusted with the responsibility of
projecting the work of Jains to the external world.
b) This committee should contribute to articles in the social, political,
philosophical journals, publications and other forms of media which
have a greater penetration and reach.
c) The committee should aim at upgrading the current literature
available, document the Jain legacy, its work and the research
carried out over the years in a presentable format which should then
be showcased to the external world at a variety of forums and
platforms.
d) The committee should appoint few key members to be officially
designated as spokespersons to spread the word on Jainism and the
work of Jain institutions and the community.
These initial but significant steps can go a long way in creating awareness of
this movement and in spreading the message of Lord Mahavir. This effort
shall serve to preserve the identity of the Jains in the whole world. The
contributions of Jains to the world will be more widely and deeply
acknowledged and it will throw open a plethora of opportunities for Jains
and Jain institutions to serve the mankind, looking beyond their own
community. This will truly result in walking along the path prescribed by
Lord Mahavir and enable the Jains to offer themselves to the service of
mankind and humanity in a manner befitting of the followers of Jainism.
***
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Shraman Sangh: Towards a new generation,
new thoughts and new direction
Suggestions for Strengthening Shraman Sangh
The era of the 1950s witnessed a momentous phenomenon when highly
revered and scholarly Sadhus/Sadhavis belonging to various sects of Jainism
came together to form the Shraman Sangh in 1952. This confluence signified
a united effort to promote the cause of Jainism and spread the message of
love and peace to the world at large through a concerted effort on the part
of Jain monasticism.
Over last 65 years of its existence the Shraman Sangh has stood firm and
undeterred inspite of several upheavals in the past. There have been
instances of differences in ideology and outlook amongst several Sadhus and
Sadhavis, resulting in their dissention from the Sangh. These and several
other undesirable occurrences have threatened to crush and mar the core
fabric of the Sangh. However the Sangh, firmly rooted in a rock solid
foundation of Jain principles has withstood the test of time and has so far
managed to overcome the internal strife that has regularly attempted to
rock the foundation.
Today the Sangh comprises an overwhelming pool of 1300 Sadhus and
Sadhavis all of whom are highly intellectual, competent and are an epitome
of what Jainism stands for. This is indeed a matter of great pride for
Shraman Sangh. Yet, a pervasive undercurrent of contention, disharmony has
been sensed by one and all from time to time which is detrimental to the
fundamental existence of the Sangh. In the light of these disquieting signals,
it is felt that the time has come to contain these overpowering forces
present within each one of us before they assume alarming proportions. The
time has come to urge all the members to owe and swear a much greater
degree of allegiance to the Sangh and its mission, and go forward with an
unwavering faith in the larger cause which the Sangh promotes.
Today we are all standing at a crossroad. The future of the Sangh will largely
be determined by the direction that we all henceforth resolve to venture
into. Hence this sammelan, organized after 28 long years has the potential
to serve as the tipping point for the existence of the Sangh. This Sammelan
is a sincere attempt to bring together the Sadhus and Sadhavis in their
thoughts and action so that a common, unified vision of the Sangh can be
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put forth and internalized by each one. This is essential to the well being of
the Sangh because unless all members swear allegiance to a common cause
espoused by the Sangh, unless they share common beliefs and speak the
same language, it would be difficult to hold the Sangh together with each
passing day. In order to facilitate this transformation certain sweeping
changes need to be made in the manner in which the Sangh conducts itself.
It is desired that the members be open to these changes for the larger good
of the Sangh, the Jain community and above all for the principles of Jainism.
Against this challenging backdrop certain changes are being proposed in the
functional aspects of the Sangh with the sole intention of strengthening it
from within. These are as follows:
1) A comprehensive vision document should be produced within a
stipulated time of 3-4 months. This document should be jointly prepared
by the Acharya, Yuvacharyas and the Pravartaks after consultations with
two external professionals. This document should incorporate the
following:
a) the philosophy, vision, mission, aims, objectives, guiding principles
of the Sangh
b) roles and responsibilities, tenures for every position held in the
Sangh.
c) the code of conduct for every member of the Sangh
d) the future roadmap for the Sangh with well defined milestones,
short term and long term goals.
e) Guidelines for the conduct of important events core to the Sangh
like Chaturmas and Sadhu Sadhavi Sammelans. The guidelines for
Chaturmas should be created by the office bearers of the Sangh in
consultation with Shravak Sangh and members of the Jain
Conference
f) The grievance redressal system and procedures for the Sangh
2) This vision document should be made accessible to every member of the
Sangh for achieving uniformity in intent and action.
3) The tenure for the Acharya should be decided for 15 years, not
exceeding the age of 70. This is necessary because 15 years is an
optimum time for an individual of that stature to envision, plan and
execute the plan in alignment with the roadmap. The tenure of 15 years
also paves the way for a younger leader for the subsequent term who