Bhav Tribhangi

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhav Tribhangi" authored by Acharya Shri Shrutmuni. The book, translated and edited by Bra. Vinod Kumar Jain and Bra. Anil Kumar Jain, was published by Gangwal Dharmik Trust, Raipur.

Core Subject and Purpose:

The book, "Bhav Tribhangi," which also goes by the name "Bhav Sangraha," is a detailed exposition on the various "Bhavas" (states or dispositions) of the soul in Jain philosophy. Acharya Shri Shrutmuni, after paying obeisance to the Pancha Parameṣṭhi (the five supreme beings) and stating his intention for the spiritual upliftment and knowledge of beings, undertakes to describe the fundamental and subsequent Bhavas as taught in the scriptures. The primary goal is to elucidate the nature of these Bhavas, their classifications, and their manifestation across the fourteen Guṇasthānas (stages of spiritual development) and various Mārgaṇās (paths or categories of inquiry).

Key Features and Content:

1. Classification of Bhavas: The text systematically explains the five fundamental types of Bhavas:

   • Aupaśamika (Temporary Subsidence): Bhavas arising from the temporary suppression of karmas.
   • Kṣāyika (Destruction): Bhavas resulting from the complete destruction of karmas.
   • Kṣāyośamika (Partial Subsidence and Destruction): Bhavas stemming from the partial subsidence and destruction of karmas.
   • Audāyika (Result of Karma Eruption): Bhavas arising from the direct fruition of karmas.
   • Pāriṇāmika (Inherent/Natural): Bhavas that are natural and inherent to the soul.

2. Detailed Analysis across Guṇasthānas: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to analyzing how these Bhavas are present or absent in each of the fourteen Guṇasthānas. This includes detailed descriptions of the Bhavas at the beginning, middle, and end of each stage, as well as the "vicchitti" (cessation or disappearance) of certain Bhavas as the soul progresses.

3. Analysis across Mārgaṇās: The text also examines the presence and absence of Bhavas across various Mārgaṇās, which are categories of spiritual inquiry. These include:

   • Gati (Realms of Existence): Naraka (hellish), Tiryañca (animal), Manuṣya (human), and Deva (celestial).
   • Indriya (Senses): The number of senses possessed.
   • Kāya (Bodies): Various types of bodies.
   • Yoga (Activities): Activities of mind, speech, and body.
   • Veda (Genders): Male, Female, and Neuter.
   • Kaṣāya (Passions): Anger, Pride, Deceit, Greed.
   • Ajñāna (Ignorance): Various types of wrong knowledge.
   • Sañjñī (Consciousness): Presence or absence of consciousness.
   • Āhārak (Ahārak bodies).
   • Darśana (Perception).
   • Leśyā (Psychic dispositions).
   • Samyaśtva (Right Faith).
   • Samyama (Restraint).
   • Bhāvya (Potential to attain liberation).

4. Unique Contributions and Innovations:

   • Mangalācaraṇa (Invocation): The author's practice of performing the Mangalācaraṇa (auspicious invocation) three times – at the beginning, middle, and end of the book – is highlighted as a unique feature.
   • Novel Definitions: The book presents refined and precise definitions for Kṣayośamika Bhava (e.g., "the manifestation of qualities of the soul through the partial subsidence and destruction of karmas") and Audāyika Bhava (e.g., "qualities of karma arising from the eruption of karmas").
   • Comprehensive Mārgaṇā Analysis: While other texts discuss Bhavas within Guṇasthānas, "Bhav Tribhangi" is noted for its comprehensive analysis of Bhavas across Mārgaṇās, a rare and valuable contribution.

5. Points of Discussion and Scholarly Inquiry: The editors raise certain points for scholarly consideration, suggesting potential areas where the text's interpretation might differ from or require further clarification based on other authoritative Jain works:

   • The acceptance of Avadhidarśana in the Miśra Guṇasthāna, where some other texts mention only cakṣu and acakṣu darśana.
   • The presence of feminine gender in the Vaikriyika Miśra Kāyoga at the fourth Guṇasthāna.
   • The cessation of six Bhavas in the context of Āhārak Kāyoga and Āhārak Miśra Kāyoga.
   • The prohibition of Sarāgacāritra and Kṣāyika Samyakttva in Bhavastrī (female sentiment).
   • The discrepancy in the number of Bhavas in certain Kaṣāyas (e.g., 40 Bhavas instead of the expected 41).
   • The compatibility of "all Bhavas" in the Bhāvya Mārgaṇā and the presence of Abhāvya Bhava in Abhāvya.
   • The inclusion of specific Guṇasthānas in the Mārgaṇā of the Enabler.

6. Editorial Process and Acknowledgements: The editorial note details the process of translation, editing, and consultation with esteemed scholars like Āryikā Dṛḍhamati Mātājī and Āryikā Jñānamati Mātājī. It also expresses gratitude to Shri Bra. Jineśa Jī, the director of the Varṇī Gurukul, for his significant support.

Overall Significance:

"Bhav Tribhangi" is presented as an extremely useful guide for spiritual seekers aiming for liberation. It provides a detailed and systematic understanding of the soul's journey through different spiritual stages and categories of analysis. The comprehensive nature of the Bhavas, their interrelation with Guṇasthānas and Mārgaṇās, and the critical points raised by the editors make it a valuable resource for Jain scholars and practitioners alike. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding these subtle spiritual states for the attainment of true knowledge and liberation.