Atma Siddhi Shastra Vivechan Part 3

The Jain text "Atma Siddhi Shastra Vivechan Part 3" by Shrimad Rajchandra, with commentary by Rakeshbhai Zaveri, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, is a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, focusing on the path to liberation. This summary draws from the provided content to outline the key themes and teachings presented in Volume 3.

Core Themes and Teachings:

The text delves deeply into the spiritual journey of the soul towards liberation (Moksha), emphasizing the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra. The commentary by Rakeshbhai Zaveri serves to elucidate the original text, making its profound spiritual insights accessible.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into several sections, covering a comprehensive analysis of the "Atma Siddhi Shastra," a foundational Jain text. Based on the provided table of contents, the main sections include:

• Part 1: Introduction to the Text:

  • Chapter 1: Creation of the Text.
  • Chapter 2: Commentary and Translation of the Text.

• Part 2: Detailed Analysis of Each Verse (Gatha) of 'Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra': This forms the core of the exposition, with chapters dedicated to each of the six foundational principles (Gathas) that lead to the soul's realization. These principles are systematically analyzed:

  • Chapter 1: Introduction (Gathas 1-23).
  • Chapter 2: Characteristics of the Seeker of the Soul (Gathas 24-33).
  • Chapter 3: Characteristics of the Seeker of the Soul (Gathas 34-42).
  • Chapter 4: Exposition of the Six Principles (Gathas 43-44).
  • Chapter 5: The First Principle - 'The Soul Exists' (Gathas 45-58).
  • Chapter 6: The Second Principle - 'The Soul is Eternal' (Gathas 59-70).
  • Chapter 7: The Third Principle - 'The Soul is the Doer of Karma' (Gathas 71-78).
  • Chapter 8: The Fourth Principle - 'The Soul is the Enjoyer of Karma's Fruits' (Gathas 79-86).
  • Chapter 9: The Fifth Principle - 'There is Moksha' (Gathas 87-91).
  • Chapter 10: The Sixth Principle - 'There is a Way to Moksha' (Gathas 92-118).
  • Chapter 11: Explanation of the Seed of Disciples' Realization (Gathas 119-127).
  • Chapter 12: Conclusion (Gathas 128-142).

• Part 3: Evaluation of 'Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra':

  • Chapter 1: Evaluation from a Literary Perspective.
  • Chapter 2: Evaluation from a Spiritual Perspective.

• Part 4: Appendix:

  • Appendix 1: Introduction to the Exhibition.
  • Appendix 2: Bibliography.
  • Appendix 3: Subject Index.

Summary of Key Concepts (Based on the provided Gathas 87-112):

The provided text snippets focus on the latter part of the exposition, specifically on the concept of Moksha and the path to it, as explained in "Atma Siddhi Shastra."

1. Gatha 87 & 88 (The Seeker's Doubt about Moksha): The text presents the disciple's doubts about the possibility of Moksha. The disciple questions how Moksha can be attained if the soul is eternally bound by karma, as the cycle of karma and its consequences seems unending. The disciple raises points similar to Pūrva Mīmāṁsā philosophy, questioning the efficacy of liberation when the soul is still subject to karmic "flaws" (dosha) despite the passage of infinite time. The disciple observes that souls are always engaged in actions and their results, whether good or bad, leading to various states of existence (devas, hell beings, animals, humans). The core of the doubt is: if the soul is inherently bound by karma, how can it ever be free?

2. Gatha 89 (Moksha is Possible - The Way): The commentary explains that the Guru addresses the disciple's doubts. The Guru asserts that just as actions (karma) have results, the cessation of those actions (nivritti) also has a result. Just as the soul is the doer and enjoyer of karma, it can also achieve the cessation of karma. The Guru explains that Moksha is not merely an absence of suffering but the attainment of the soul's inherent pure state, which is obscured by karma. The key to this is the detachment from actions and the realization of the soul's true nature.

3. Gatha 90 (The Cause of Samsara and its Cessation): This Gatha elaborates on the cause of the soul's continued wandering in Samsara. The Guru points out that the infinite cycle is due to the soul's attachment to actions (karma) and their results, driven by ignorance (ajñāna). The solution lies in transcending these attachments and realizing the soul's inherent pure nature (Moksha Swabhava). The Guru uses analogies like the sun obscured by clouds to illustrate how the soul's true nature, though eternal, is temporarily veiled.

4. Gatha 91 (The Nature of Moksha): This Gatha describes the state of Moksha. It is depicted as an eternal abode of pure bliss, free from the cycle of birth and death. It is the state of the soul's perfect development and self-realization, where the soul is free from all worldly attachments, karmic bondage, and physical existence (Pudgala). It is characterized by infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power. The text also touches upon the different philosophical views on Moksha, contrasting them with the Jain perspective.

5. Gatha 92-94 (The Disciple's Doubts about the Path): The disciple, having understood the possibility of Moksha, now questions the path. The disciple raises doubts about:

   • The Efficacy of the Path: How can the accumulated karma of infinite lifetimes be eradicated in a human lifespan?
   • The Variety of Paths: Different religions and philosophies propose various paths to Moksha (e.g., knowledge, action, devotion, yoga). Which path is the true one? The disciple expresses confusion regarding the multitude of paths and the difficulty in discerning the correct one.
   • The Role of External Factors: The disciple questions the significance of external factors like caste (jati) and outward appearance (vesh) in achieving Moksha, noting the differing views on whether these are prerequisites or irrelevant to spiritual liberation.

6. Gatha 95 & 96 (The Disciple's Despair and the Guru's Hope): Faced with these doubts, the disciple expresses despair, feeling that perhaps Moksha is unattainable, rendering the knowledge of the soul's existence and nature pointless. The disciple's despair stems from the perceived insurmountable obstacles of karma and the confusion arising from diverse religious paths. However, the disciple's sincerity and deep longing for liberation are evident, prompting the Guru to offer hope and assurance.

7. Gatha 97 & 98 (The Guru's Assurance and the Nature of Karma/Ignorance): The Guru reassures the disciple that the path to Moksha, though difficult, is achievable. The Guru acknowledges the disciple's valid doubts and begins to address them. Gatha 98 introduces a crucial concept: "Karmic bondage is ignorance (ajñāna), and the state of liberation is the soul's true nature (ni-j-bhava)." This Gatha lays the groundwork for understanding how ignorance fuels the karmic cycle and how its removal leads to Moksha.

8. Gatha 99 (The Path to Moksha - Overcoming Ignorance): This Gatha begins to explain the path. It states that the causes of karmic bondage (mithyātva, avirati, pramāda, kaṣāya, and yoga) are to be abandoned. The removal of these causes leads to the cessation of karma and ultimately Moksha. The commentary explains how these factors bind the soul and how overcoming them through right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jñāna), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra) is the key to liberation. The text emphasizes that Moksha is not achieved through external rituals alone but through inner transformation.

9. Gatha 100 (The Root Causes of Bondage): This Gatha identifies the primary roots of karmic bondage as attachment (rāga), aversion (dvesha), and ignorance (ajñāna). It suggests that the path to Moksha involves transcending these states. The commentary delves into the nature of these defilements and how they bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death.

10. Gatha 101 (The Nature of the Soul and Liberation): This Gatha describes the liberated soul. It is characterized as 'sat' (eternal existence), 'chaitanya-may' (pure consciousness), and 'sarvābhāsa rahita' (free from all worldly impurities or false perceptions). The commentary explains that Moksha is the realization of this inherent, eternal nature, which is obscured by karma and ignorance.

11. Gatha 102 (The Role of Karma and its Overcoming): This Gatha begins to address the disciple's doubt about eradicating infinite karma. It identifies the eight types of karma (Jñānāvaraṇīya, Darśanāvaraṇīya, Vedanīya, Mohanīya, Āyuṣya, Nāma, Gotra, and Antarāya) and highlights Mohaniya karma as the most potent and the root of bondage. Overcoming Mohaniya karma is presented as crucial for liberation.

12. Gatha 103 (Overcoming Mohaniya Karma - Bodh and Vītarāgatva): This Gatha identifies the key to overcoming Mohaniya karma: "Ātma Bodh" (Self-realization) and "Vītarāgatva" (Detachment/Equanimity). It explains that Mohaniya karma has two main aspects: Darśana Mohaniya (obscuring right faith) and Chāritra Mohaniya (obscuring right conduct). Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) is achieved through Self-realization (Ātma Bodh), which dispels the ignorance (darśana moha). Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) is achieved through detachment (Vītarāgatva), which overcomes the passions and defilements (chāritra moha). The text uses analogies like light dispelling darkness to illustrate how knowledge (Bodh) eradicates ignorance (ajñāna) and how detachment (Vītarāgatva) conquers passions.

13. Gatha 104 (The Means to Overcome Karma - Actions and Virtues): This Gatha moves from the philosophical to the practical. It explains that karmic bondage arises from passions like krodha (anger), māna (pride), māyā (deceit), and lobha (greed). The path to liberation involves cultivating their opposites: kṣamā (forgiveness), mardavatā (humility), ārjava (simplicity), and santoṣa (contentment). The commentary emphasizes that these virtues, cultivated through introspection and consistent practice, are the direct means to weaken and ultimately sever karmic bonds. The Gatha highlights that this process is not merely philosophical but experientially verifiable.

14. Gatha 105 (The Problem of Diverse Paths and the Need for Discernment): This Gatha addresses the disciple's doubt about the multiplicity of religious paths and their conflicting prescriptions for Moksha. The commentary discusses the various philosophical and religious viewpoints prevalent in India, including Jainism, Buddhism, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta, each proposing different paths and goals. It critiques the exclusive claims of various sects and emphasizes that true Moksha lies beyond mere external practices, rituals, or affiliations. The commentary highlights the importance of understanding the core principles rather than adhering rigidly to external forms.

15. Gatha 106 (The Path is in the Six Principles): This Gatha reassures the disciple that the path to Moksha lies within understanding and internalizing the six fundamental principles (ṣatpadā) that were previously discussed. These principles, when properly understood and lived, encompass the entire spiritual journey. The Guru implies that the solution to the disciple's confusion about diverse paths lies not in choosing one external path over another, but in the consistent application of these core principles.

16. Gatha 107 (Moksha is Not Dependent on External Factors): This Gatha directly tackles the doubts about caste (jāti) and external appearance (vesh). It clarifies that liberation is not dependent on one's birth or outward presentation. The text mentions the Jain philosophical distinction between internal (bhava) and external (dravya) aspects of spiritual practice, emphasizing that true liberation comes from internal purity and realization, not external forms. The commentary discusses the differing views within Jainism itself (Digambara and Shvetambara) regarding ascetic practices and external conduct, ultimately highlighting that the core is internal transformation.

17. Gatha 108 (The Path of Virtue and True Dispassion): This Gatha identifies the characteristics of a true seeker (mumukshu). It outlines the qualities needed to progress on the spiritual path: diminishing passions (kashaya), singular focus on Moksha, detachment from worldly desires, and compassion for all beings. These inner qualities are considered more important than external rituals or appearances. The text stresses that true detachment from worldly pursuits is essential for spiritual progress.

Overall Message:

The "Atma Siddhi Shastra Vivechan Part 3" is a guide to understanding the nature of the soul, the bondage of karma, and the path to liberation. It addresses common misconceptions and doubts that arise on the spiritual journey, offering profound insights and practical guidance. The commentary by Rakeshbhai Zaveri aims to make these teachings accessible, guiding the reader towards self-realization and the ultimate goal of Moksha. The text emphasizes that liberation is an inner journey of self-discovery and purification, achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, transcending external rituals and sectarian divisions.