Bhav Sangrah

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhav Sangrah" (भाव संग्रह), authored by Vamdev Acharya and translated by Dr. Rameshchandra Bijnaur, published by Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad. The text serves as an exposition of Jain philosophy, focusing on the concept of "Bhav" (भाव), which translates to states or modifications of the soul, and their classification within the fourteen Guṇasthānas (गुणस्थान - stages of spiritual development).

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

1. Purpose and Dedication:

• The book is dedicated to the esteemed Acharya Shri Vimalasagarji Maharaj on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee year.
• It is published as part of a larger initiative by the Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad to publish 75 ancient Jain texts to counteract the spread of erroneous philosophies and promote the study of authentic scriptures.

2. Core Jain Philosophy Presented:

• Bhav (भाव): The central theme is "Bhav," referring to the states or modifications of the soul. These states are categorized and explained in relation to the soul's journey through the fourteen Guṇasthānas.
• Five Bhavas (Five States): The text elaborates on the five essential states of the soul:
  • Aupashamik (औपशमिक): States arising from the suppression (Upashama) of karmic influx.
  • Kshayik (क्षायिक): States arising from the complete annihilation (Kshaya) of karmic influx.
  • Mishra (मिश्र): Mixed states arising from the partial suppression and partial annihilation of karmas.
  • Audayik (औदयिक): States arising from the actual fruition (Udaya) of karmas.
  • Parinamic (पारिणामिक): Natural or essential states of the soul, independent of specific karmic influx.
• Fourteen Guṇasthānas (Stages of Spiritual Development): The text systematically explains each of the fourteen Guṇasthānas, detailing the specific Bhavas and karmic conditions present at each stage. These are:
  1. Mithyatva (मिथ्यात्व - False Belief)
  2. Sasadan (सासादन - Degenerate Right Faith)
  3. Mishra (मिश्र - Mixed)
  4. Avirata Samyagdṛṣṭi (अविरत सम्यग्दृष्टि - Non-celibate Right Seer)
  5. Deshavirat (देशविरत - Partially Vow-bound)
  6. Pramatta Samyat (प्रमत्त संयत - Careless Vow-holder)
  7. Apramatta Samyat (अप्रमत्त संयत - Careful Vow-holder)
  8. Apurvakaraṇa (अपूर्वकरण - Unprecedented Effort)
  9. Anivṛttikaraṇa (अनिवृत्तिकरण - Uninterrupted Effort)
  10. Sukshama Samparaya (सूक्ष्म साम्पराय - Subtle Passion)
  11. Upaśāntakashāya (उपशान्त कषाय - Pacified Passion)
  12. Kshīṇamoha (क्षी ण मोह - Passionless)
  13. Sayog Kevali (सयोग केवलि - Omniscient with Body)
  14. Ayog Kevali (अयोग केवलि - Omniscient without Body)
  • Beyond these, the Siddhas (सिद्ध) are described as having only Kshayik and Parinamic Bhavas.

3. Refutation of Heterodox Views:

A significant portion of the "Bhav Sangrah" is dedicated to refuting various non-Jain philosophical viewpoints, primarily drawing from Vedic and Buddhist traditions, and establishing the validity of Jain principles through rational arguments and scriptural references. Key refutations include:

• Ritualistic Purity: The futility of purification through ritualistic bathing in sacred waters, as physical purification cannot cleanse the soul from karmic impurities.
• Sacrifice and Animal Slaughter: The text strongly condemns animal sacrifice in religious rituals, arguing that such acts lead to negative karmic consequences rather than spiritual merit. It cites scriptural passages to highlight the inherent violence and inefficacy of these practices.
• Theistic Concepts: It critiques the Vedic concept of a creator God (Brahma), preserver (Vishnu), and destroyer (Shiva), questioning their infallibility and divine attributes based on mythological narratives. Arguments are presented to show the inconsistency and illogic in these portrayals.
• Anikantavada (One-sidedness): The book addresses and refutes various forms of one-sided or absolutist viewpoints, particularly those espoused by Buddhism (like momentary existence - Kshanika Ekantavada) and Vedanta. The Jain doctrine of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) is implicitly or explicitly upheld as the correct perspective.
• The Concept of "Pitra" (Pitrs - Ancestors): The Jain perspective on lineage and ancestral rites is contrasted with Vedic practices, emphasizing individual karma and responsibility over ritualistic appeasement of ancestors.
• Women's Liberation (Stri Mukti): The text engages with the Shvetambara Jain view on the possibility of women attaining liberation in the same life. The Digambara perspective, as presented here, argues that due to inherent limitations in their spiritual practice and the nature of their vows (e.g., wearing clothes), women do not attain the highest spiritual states (like Kevalgyan) in the same manner as men.
• Theological Arguments: The text uses logical reasoning to challenge the infallibility of divine pronouncements from other traditions, highlighting inconsistencies and contradictions.

4. Detailed Explanation of Practices and Principles:

• Avasyak Karma (Six Essential Duties): The text outlines the six essential duties for Jain householders: Samata (equanimity), Vandana (obeisance), Stotra (hymns), Pratyakhyana (renunciation), Pratikramana (atonement), and Vyutsarga (release).
• Types of Jain Lay Practices: It elaborates on various practices for householders, including:
  • Darshanik (दार्शनिक): The initial stage of a lay follower, characterized by right faith.
  • Vratik (व्रतिक): Those who observe vows.
  • Anuvratas (अणुव्रत): The five lesser vows (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession).
  • Gunavratas (गुणव्रत): Three supporting vows.
  • Shikshavratas (शिक्षाव्रत): Four vows of training.
  • Puroshdhopavas (प्रोषधोपवास): Fasting.
  • Brahma-charya (ब्रह्मचर्य): Celibacy and chastity.
  • Samayik (सामायिक): Equanimity practice.
  • Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह): Non-possession.
  • Anumati Tyaga (अनुमति त्याग): Renunciation of permission.
  • Uddishta Tyaga (उद्दिष्ट त्याग): Abstaining from food specifically prepared for oneself.
• Devotion and Worship (Puja): The text details the proper procedures and significance of worship, including the veneration of Jinas, Jina-Idols, and the scriptural tradition (Shruta). It emphasizes the purity of intention and the correct ritualistic observances.
• The Role of Dharma and Adharma: The text explains the function of Dharma (Dharma) and Adharma (Adharma) as principles facilitating motion and rest, respectively, for souls and matter.
• Substance and Attributes (Dravya and Paryaya): It discusses the fundamental Jain concept of substances (Dravyas) and their changing states or modifications (Paryayas).
• Karma and Liberation: The ultimate goal of shedding karmas (Karma bandha and nirjara) for liberation (Moksha) is interwoven throughout the discussion of Bhavas and Guṇasthānas.

5. Literary Style and Structure:

• The "Bhav Sangrah" is written in Sanskrit verse, with the Gujarati translation providing additional clarity.
• The text follows a logical progression, starting with the foundational concepts of soul and its states, then moving to the detailed explanation of the Guṇasthānas and refuting opposing viewpoints.
• It frequently cites scriptural passages and uses analogies to illustrate complex philosophical points.

In essence, "Bhav Sangrah" is a profound and comprehensive Jain scripture that guides the reader through the intricacies of the soul's journey, the nature of reality as understood in Jainism, and the path to liberation, while also providing a robust defense of Jain principles against other philosophical schools. It is a vital text for understanding the spiritual landscape and ethical framework of Jainism.