Samvatsari Tithi Article V4 20120905

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 9

A very simple solution exists for Jains in India as follows:
"Shwetambar Murtipujak Tapa Gachchha Jains should change Samvatsary Day back to Bhadarva Shud 5 and start to use Chaandasu chandu Hindu calendar as a base for Jain Calendar".
This will solve almost all the problems associated with Samvatsari Day. Every Jain including one tithi and two tithi sects will do Samvatsari Pratikraman on the same day. All differences in various calendars will disappear.
North American Jains have created an environment conducive to unite all Jain sects. The following is the summary of their accomplishments in this area:
⚫ Almost all Jain centers in North America are nonsectarian centers
Almost all Jain temples have both Shvetämbar and Digambar Murtis and Sthänaka for Sthänakaväsi / Teräpanthi and other sects
Federation of Jaina is a unique organization in the Jain world which has the membership of 67 Jain centers. It has elected its presidents from various sects of Jainism.
Jain Digest, the quarterly magazine, publishes the news from all the sects
JAINA convention is a very unique Jain convention in the world and leaders from all sects are invited and get together on one stage.
Jaina Education material is non sectarian and represents the uniqueness of each sect. Now is the proper time for all Jain centers of North America and JAINA to look ahead and eliminate confusion for our youths; come together and celebrate Samvatsari / Kshamäväni (Forgiveness) in a united way across North America. We, the believers of the Anekäntaväda can certainly work together on this issue.
Since all Jain centers are non-sectarian centers in North America and we do not have Jain monks or nuns in America who can provide the guidance to all Jain Sanghs. It is the responsibility of the leaders of every center to work together to come to one conclusion based on time, place, and culture of our community in this country.
We recognize that ideally we should refrain from work and school activities during Paryushan to devote time for self reflection. But this is not practical and does not happen in real life. Better yet, why not be practical and celebrate Samvatsari on the 1st Saturday of September of every year (we do not have a rainy season that begins on Ashädh Sud 15 and we do not have Monks who are searching for a suitable place to stay during the rainy season).
Here are the benefits:
1. The first day of the Paryushan will be the last Saturday of August and hence all children, youths, and adults can do various penances, pujä at the temple, listen to discourses, and do Pratikraman in the evening. This will not disturb their school or work schedules.
2. The 2nd day will be Sunday - the Mahavir Jayanti (Janma Vänchan) and Swapna ceremony can be celebrated by all children, youths, and adults.
3. The following Saturday (1st Saturday of September) will be the Samvatsari day which is the last day of Paryushan for all Shvetämbar sects and is the Kshamäväni (Forgiveness) day - the 1st day of Paryushan/ Das Laxan of all Digambar sects. Hence the entire Jain community can do Pratikraman and Kshamäväni (Forgiveness) Ärädhanä together. Digambars will continue Das Laxan for the next nine days as per their tradition.
4. The next day will be a Sunday and it is very convenient for Päranä for all Tapasvis and may be Bhävanä in the evening.
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