Chahdhala Ka Sara

The provided text is a comprehensive summary and explanation of the Jain text "Chahdhala Ka Sara" (The Essence of Chahdhala), authored by Hukamchand Bharilla and published by Digambar Jain Vidwatparishad Trust. The summary details the essence of each of the six "Dhalas" (sections or chapters) of the Chahdhala, which is itself a popular and accessible Jain scripture.

Here's a breakdown of the summary's key points, covering the essence of each Dhalas:

Overall Context and Purpose:

• "Chahdhala Ka Sara" is an exposition and essence of the original "Chahdhala" by Pandit Daulatramji. It aims to make the profound spiritual teachings of Chahdhala accessible to a wider audience, including students and general readers.
• The author, Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla, is lauded for his ability to explain complex Jain philosophy in simple, logical terms.
• The work is presented as a valuable resource for understanding the path to liberation (Moksha Marg).

Summary of Each Dhalas:

• First Dhalā: Description of Suffering in the World (Samsara)

  • This Dhalā begins by invoking the principle of "Vitraag-Vigyan" (knowledge of the detached and omniscient) as the essence of the three worlds.
  • It meticulously describes the inherent suffering present in all four realms of existence: Hell (Narak), Animals (Tiryanach), Humans (Manushya), and Heavens (Deva).
  • The author emphasizes that even seemingly pleasant states in heavenly realms are ultimately filled with suffering due to their impermanence and the lack of true spiritual realization (Samya-gdarshan).
  • The suffering is attributed not to the absence of material possessions but to the underlying spiritual ignorance and attachment.
  • The Dhalā uses vivid examples and scriptural references to illustrate the profound suffering experienced in each state of existence.

• Second Dhalā: Causes of Suffering (Mithyatva)

  • This Dhalā delves into the root causes of the suffering described in the first Dhalā.
  • The primary causes are identified as Mithyadarshan (false belief/view), Mithyagyan (false knowledge), and Mithyacharitra (false conduct).
  • These are further categorized into Grihit (acquired/learned) and Agrihit (innate/inherent) forms, with Agrahit Mithyatva being the more fundamental and deeply rooted cause.
  • The text explains how mistaking the non-soul (Ajiv) for the soul (Jiv) is a fundamental error.
  • It elaborates on the concept of "Avidya" (ignorance) and its role in perpetuating the cycle of birth and death.
  • The Dhalā highlights that even actions performed with good intentions (Punya) can lead to suffering if they are rooted in ignorance and attachment.

• Third Dhalā: The Path to Liberation (Moksha Marg)

  • Following the identification of suffering and its causes, this Dhalā presents the remedy.
  • The path to liberation is explained as the attainment of Samya-gdarshan (right belief), Samya-gyan (right knowledge), and Samya-charitra (right conduct), collectively known as the "Ratnatraya" (Three Jewels).
  • The Dhalā distinguishes between Nischay (ultimate/real) and Vyavahar (conventional/practical) aspects of the Ratnatraya.
  • Nischay Samyakdarshan is the inherent realization of the soul as distinct from other substances.
  • Nischay Samyagyan is the direct experience of the soul's true nature.
  • Nischay Samyagcharitra is complete absorption in the soul.
  • Vyavahar Ratnatraya involves the external practices and observances that support the attainment of Nischay Ratnatraya, such as devotion to pure souls (Deva), pure scriptures (Shastra), and pure conduct (Guru), along with the understanding of the seven tattvas (principles).
  • The paramount importance of Samya-gdarshan is stressed as the foundation for all spiritual progress.

• Fourth Dhalā: Right Knowledge (Samya-gyan) and Preliminary Conduct (Desh-charitra)

  • This Dhalā focuses on the nature and significance of Samya-gyan (right knowledge).
  • It explains that true knowledge is not merely intellectual understanding but the direct realization of reality, leading to liberation.
  • The text describes the different types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevalgyan) and how they contribute to spiritual progress.
  • The Dhalā then introduces Desh-charitra (partial conduct), which refers to the vows and practices undertaken by lay followers (Shravakas).
  • It details the five Anuvratas (minor vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
  • It also explains the three Guna-vratas (qualitative vows): Digvrata (limiting scope of movement), Desh-vrata (limiting time and space), and Anarthadand-vrata (avoiding purposeless violence and harmful activities).
  • The four Shiksha-vratas (educational vows) are then described: Samayika (equanimity), Proshadhopavasa (fasting), Bhogopabhoga Pariman (limiting consumption), and Atithi Samvibhag (offering food to guests/monks).
  • The observance of these vows is presented as a means to progress towards complete liberation.

• Fifth Dhalā: Contemplation of Twelve Sentiments (Bhava-na) and Impurity of the Body

  • This Dhalā emphasizes the importance of contemplating the twelve Bhavanas (sentiments/reflections) for cultivating detachment and spiritual progress.
  • These Bhavanas include contemplation of Anitya (impermanence), Asharana (helplessness in suffering), Sansara (cycle of birth and death), Ekatva (oneness of the soul), Anyatva (otherness of non-soul), Ashuchi (impurity), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Lok (the universe), Bodhi (true enlightenment), and Dharma (righteousness).
  • The Dhalā highlights how contemplating the impermanence of worldly possessions, the body, and relationships helps in renouncing attachments.
  • It also describes the impure nature of the physical body to foster aversion and detachment.
  • The core message is to turn inwards and focus on the eternal soul rather than transient worldly experiences.

• Sixth Dhalā: Complete Conduct (Sakal-charitra) and Attainment of the Soul

  • This Dhalā focuses on Sakal-charitra (complete conduct), which is the practice of the great vows observed by Muni-rajas (monks).
  • It outlines the 28 primary observances (Mulas of Jain monks), including the five Mahavratas (great vows), five Samitis (careful conduct in walking, speaking, eating, etc.), three Guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body), and other essential practices.
  • The Dhalā explains that these practices are performed with absolute detachment and with the sole aim of eradicating karma and attaining the pure soul.
  • It describes the state of a Muni as one who is detached from all worldly enjoyments, indifferent to worldly praise or criticism, and fully absorbed in self-contemplation.
  • The ultimate goal is the attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscient knowledge) and the liberated state of Siddha-hood, free from all karmic bondage and suffering.
  • The author concludes by urging readers to follow the path outlined by the Tirthankaras and to realize their true soul nature for ultimate happiness and liberation.

The summary reflects the structure and teachings of the Chahdhala, presenting a step-by-step guide to understanding Jain philosophy and the path to spiritual liberation.