Acharya Bhikshu Tattva Sahitya 01 - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Acharya Bhikshu Tattva Sahitya 01," is the first volume in a series dedicated to the philosophical and literary works of Acharya Bhikshu, a prominent Jain Acharya. The book focuses on his "Tattva Sahitya," meaning "Essence Literature," which delves into fundamental Jain principles.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The book aims to present the "Vangmaya" (literature) of Acharya Bhikshu in Hindi. This particular volume, "Acharya Bhikshu Tattva Sahitya 01," includes two key works: "Nav Padarth" (The Nine Substances/Principles) and "Anukampa Ri Chaupai" (A Ballad on Compassion/Kindness). The overarching goal is to make Acharya Bhikshu's profound teachings accessible to a wider audience, especially in Hindi, given the diminishing number of Prakrit speakers.

Key Themes and Acharya Bhikshu's Contribution:

Preservation and Dissemination of Jain Philosophy: The text highlights Acharya Bhikshu's significant contribution to Jain philosophy. He is described as a "kushagra charchavadi" (sharp debater) who engaged with many learned individuals. His effort to encapsulate "Tattvagnana" (philosophical knowledge) in verses, particularly in the style of folk songs, made his teachings accessible and memorable, even for the unlettered. His poetry is praised for being clear, insightful, and deeply imbued with emotion.
Reinterpretation and Clarification of Agamic Principles: Acharya Bhikshu is credited with "churning the agamas" and presenting their essence in Rajasthani. He is recognized for his deep understanding of Mahavir's teachings, providing clarity on fundamental Jain concepts. His works are seen as a vital link in understanding Jain philosophy, offering a "subtle discernment of own-time and other-time" (svasamaý and par-samaý) and striking a blow against false beliefs.
Importance of "Nav Padarth" (The Nine Principles):
- Core Jain Teaching: The text explains that the fundamental idea in Jain spiritual practice is the differentiation between Soul (Jiva) and Non-Soul (Ajava). Understanding this distinction is crucial for achieving self-control.
- Nine Principles: While the core principles are Jiva and Ajiva, their number is expanded to nine by including aspects related to the cycle of karma: punya (merit), paap (demerit), asrava (influx of karma), samvara (stoppage of karma), nirjara (shedding of karma), and bandha (bondage), leading to moksha (liberation). Sometimes seven principles are mentioned, which is a relative perspective.
- Acharya Bhikshu's Analysis: Acharya Bhikshu provides a deep analysis of these nine principles over 13 dhaals (sections/chapters), with 64 dohas and 680 gaathas (verses). The text details his insightful explanations of each principle:
  - Jiva (Soul): Described as eternal, composed of infinite conscious regions, unchanging in essence. It is formless and known through self-awareness.
  - Ajiva (Non-Soul): Encompasses dharmastikaya (medium of motion), adharmastikaya (medium of rest), akashastikaya (space), kala (time), and pudgala (matter). These are the building blocks of the universe. Pudgala is described as containing color, smell, taste, and touch, with subtle analysis of atoms done even 2500 years ago.
  - Punya (Merit) and Paap (Demerit): Discussed in relation to karma bondage and the resulting happiness and suffering. Merit arises from pure actions and good intention, leading to pleasant experiences, while demerit leads to suffering.
  - Asrava (Influx of Karma): Analyzed as the soul's interaction with karma, influenced by factors like delusion, unregulatedness, negligence, passions, and yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body).
  - Samvara (Stoppage of Karma): The counteraction to Asrava, achieved through right faith, vows, non-negligence, non-passion, and non-activity.
  - Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): Explained as both spontaneous (due to time ripening) and effort-based (through austerities like fasting). It's a process of karmic shedding.
  - Bandha (Bondage): Described using a pond metaphor, where the soul is the pond, karma is the water, Asrava is the inflow, Samvara the stoppage, and Nirjara the outflow. Bondage relates to the soul's connection with karmic matter in terms of nature, duration, and intensity.
  - Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal, freedom from all karmas, leading to eternal, infinite bliss. The text mentions the possibility of liberation for various beings, including those in different states or even householders, emphasizing the universality of Jain liberation.
"Anukampa Ri Chaupai" (Ballad on Compassion):
- Core of Ahimsa: Ahimsa (non-violence) is presented as the fundamental tenet of all religions, with Jainism offering a profound and subtle perspective. Acharya Bhikshu clarified the concept of Ahimsa, addressing distortions that had arisen over time.
- True vs. False Anukampa: Acharya Bhikshu distinguishes between "Laukik Anukampa" (worldly compassion) related to the body, and "Lokottar Anukampa" (transcendent compassion) related to the soul. He asserts that Mahavir emphasized the latter.
- Body vs. Soul: He argues that mere survival of the body is not the ultimate goal of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is about controlling one's own actions and not causing harm, regardless of the outcome for the body. True Ahimsa stems from one's own virtuous conduct, not from the physical preservation of another being at the cost of one's own principles.
- Critique of Misguided Compassion: Acharya Bhikshu strongly refutes the idea that minor violence is acceptable for greater compassion or that saving a dying being outweighs other principles. He criticizes practices that prioritize the physical well-being of sentient beings through acts that themselves involve violence (like feeding the sick with non-pure substances or suggesting actions that inadvertently cause harm). He uses vivid examples and metaphors, like the four types of milk (cow, buffalo, papdi, and thorny milk hedge), to illustrate that outward appearances can be deceiving and the underlying nature and consequences matter.
- Dharma is in Self-Control: The core of true compassion lies in self-control (samyama) and non-violence in thought, word, and deed, not in outward acts of saving others through potentially impure means. He stresses that the intention and action must be pure and aligned with Jain principles. He criticizes those who claim to protect all six types of life while engaging in worldly acts, calling them ignorant and deluded.
- Examples from Scriptures: The text references various stories and examples from Jain scriptures (like Meghkumar, Neminath, Goshala, and Chulanipita) to illustrate his points and critique common misconceptions about compassion. He highlights how even great souls like Lord Mahavir acted in accordance with their stage of spiritual development (chhadmastha vs. Kevali) and adherence to strict principles.

Publication Details:

Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun.
Editors: Tulsi Ganadhipati Acharya, Mahapragya Acharya, Mahashraman Acharya.
Associate Editors: Sukhlal Muni, Kirtikumar Muni.
Translator: Shrichand Rampuria.
First Edition: 2011.
Financial Support: Surendra Kumar Pushpa Devi Kothari Education & Charitable Trust and Manish, Bhupesh Kothari.

Significance:

This volume is a crucial step in making Acharya Bhikshu's extensive literary output available in Hindi. It provides a deep dive into the foundational principles of Jainism as interpreted by him, offering a nuanced understanding of concepts like the nine substances and the true meaning of compassion and non-violence. The book serves as an important resource for Jain scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding this rich philosophical tradition.