Dandakadik Dwar Sangraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dandakadik Dwar Sangraha," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dandakadik Dwar Sangraha (Collection of Doors/Principles related to Dandakas and their divisions) Author(s): Based on ancient texts by great souls, compiled and published under the inspiration of Guruni Shri Saubhagyashreeji. Publisher: Umedchand Raichand, Khambat resident, Religious Teacher at Shri Jain Gyan Vardhak School, Ahmedabad. Sponsorship: Published with financial assistance received through the guidance of Guruni Shri Saubhagyashreeji. Year of Publication: Samvat 1973 (Veer Samvat 2443), which corresponds to 1917 CE. Edition: First edition, 1500 copies.

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Dandakadik Dwar Sangraha" is a Jain scripture that systematically elaborates on the concept of "Dandakas" within Jain cosmology and philosophy. Dandakas refer to the various realms and categories of existence where souls (jivas) transmigrate through the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The text aims to provide a detailed explanation of the different "Dwar" (doors or principles) related to these Dandakas, offering a comprehensive understanding of the soul's journey through the various states of existence.

Key Sections and Concepts Elaborated:

The book meticulously details forty-one (41) "Dwar" or principles that govern the understanding of Dandakas. These principles cover a wide spectrum of Jain ontological and cosmological concepts:

Twenty-four Dandakas (Page 11-22): This section forms the foundational understanding of the Dandakas themselves. It enumerates and explains various categories of sentient beings based on their physical form, senses, and spiritual development. This includes:
- Naraka (Hellish Beings): Seven realms of hell.
- Javanpati (Celestial Beings in the lower heavens): Ten classes of beings like Asurakumars, Nagakumars, etc.
- Earthly Elements (Kayas): Earth-bodied (Prithvi-kaya), Water-bodied (Apas-kaya), Fire-bodied (Tejas-kaya), Air-bodied (Vayu-kaya), and Plant-bodied (Vanaaspati-kaya).
- Tiras (Beings with one to five senses): Two-sensed (Dvi-indriya), Three-sensed (Tri-indriya), Four-sensed (Chaur-indriya), and Five-sensed (Panch-indriya) beings, including birds, animals, and humans.
- Jyotishi (Celestial beings associated with light): Moon, Sun, Stars, etc.
- Vaimanik (Celestial beings in higher heavens): Different classes of gods residing in various celestial mansions.
Bhuvana Dwar (Realm Principles) (Page 22-35): This section elaborates on the specific realms within the cosmos, detailing the structure and characteristics of the hellish realms (seven Naraka prithvis), the abodes of Javanpatis, and the different levels of celestial realms (Vaimanika). It describes the dimensions, layers, and environments of these planes of existence.
Sharira Dwar (Body Principles) (Page 57-60): This section discusses the different types of bodies a soul can possess:
- Audarik (Gross Physical Body): The common physical body.
- Vaikriya (Transformable Body): The body that can change form and size.
- Aharak (Meaningful Body): A subtle body used for specific spiritual purposes.
- Taijas (Fiery Body): The body associated with digestion and internal heat.
- Karma (Karmic Body): The subtle body composed of karmic particles that adheres to the soul.
Avagahana Dwar (Spatial Extent Principles) (Page 50-71): This section details the dimensions and extent of bodies in different realms and for different types of beings, ranging from incredibly subtle measurements to vast cosmic proportions.
Leshya Dwar (Color/Aura Principles) (Page 62-82): This section explains the concept of Leshyas, which are the subtle colors or auras associated with a soul's mental state and karma. It describes the six Leshyas (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla), their associated colors, tastes, smells, textures, mental states, resulting actions, and their prevalence in different realms and stages of spiritual development.
Indriya Dwar (Sense Principles) (Page 75-87): This section discusses the five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing) and their function, detailing how they are present or absent in different types of beings and their capabilities.
Samudghata Dwar (Expulsion/Emanation Principles) (Page 77-91): This section describes the process of Samudghata, where a soul's subtle particles emanate outwards. It details seven types of Samudghata: Vedana (pain), Krodha (anger), Marana (death), Vaikriya (transformation), Taijasa (fiery), Aharaka (meaningful), and Kevali (omniscient).
Sanghayana Dwar (Bone/Skeleton Structure Principles) (Page 87-96): This section explains the different types of skeletal structures and the firmness of the bones, described as six types: Vajra-rushabhanaraach, Rushabhanaraach, Naraach, Ardha-naraach, Kilika, and Sevarta. The firmness of these structures is directly related to the spiritual development and karma of the being.
Sansthana Dwar (Body Shape Principles) (Page 87-99): This section describes the various body shapes that beings can take, categorised into six types: Samachaturasra, Nyagrodha-parimandala, Mandala, Sadi, Vamana, Kubja, and Dungaka.
Prana Dwar (Life Force Principles) (Page 90-101): This section outlines the vital life forces that sustain a being. It details the types of senses, powers of mind, speech, and body, and life-span (Ayushya) that constitute the "Pranas."
Paryapti Dwar (Fulfillment/Development Principles) (Page 92-105): This section explains the concept of Paryaptis, the gradual development and fulfillment of a being's physical and mental faculties. It details six types: Ahar (food), Sharira (body), Indriya (senses), Shvasoshvas (breath), Bhasha (speech), and Mana (mind).
Yoni Dwar (Origin/Birth Principles) (Page 95-107): This section discusses the various origins and types of births for souls, categorizing them based on shared characteristics like complexion, taste, smell, and touch, ultimately listing 8.4 million Yonis.
Kulakoti Dwar (Lineage/Clan Principles) (Page 97-108): This section details the classification of beings into different lineages or clans, providing numerical figures for the "Kulakotis" within various categories of existence.
Jnana Dwar (Knowledge Principles) (Page 99-110): This section elaborates on the different types of knowledge a soul can possess, as per Jain philosophy: Mati-jnana (sensory knowledge), Shruta-jnana (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi-jnana (clairvoyant knowledge), Manahparyaya-jnana (telepathic knowledge), and Kevala-jnana (omniscient knowledge).
Ajnaana Dwar (Ignorance Principles) (Page 101-111): This section discusses the opposite of knowledge, i.e., ignorance, and its forms which lead to a soul's entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.
Darshana Dwar (Perception Principles) (Page 101-113): This section describes the types of perception: Chakshu-darshana (vision), Achakshu-darshana (perception without eyes), Avadhi-darshana (clairvoyant perception), and Kevala-darshana (omniscient perception).
Drishti Dwar (Viewpoint/Opinion Principles) (Page 103-114): This section elaborates on the different perspectives or beliefs a soul holds: Samyak-drishti (right viewpoint), Mithya-drishti (wrong viewpoint), and Mishra-drishti (mixed viewpoint).
Yoga Dwar (Activity/Application Principles) (Page 104-118): This section explains the three types of activities that bind a soul: Mana (mind), Vachana (speech), and Kaya (body) Yoga, detailing their various subcategories.
Upayoga Dwar (Function/Attention Principles) (Page 109-120): This section discusses Upayoga, the soul's conscious engagement with objects, and its distinction between conscious (Sakara) and unconscious (Nirakara) forms.
Gunasthana Dwar (Stages of Spiritual Development) (Page 111-129): This is a crucial section detailing the fourteen stages of spiritual progress that a soul undertakes, from utter ignorance (Mithyatva) to perfect omniscience and liberation (Yathakhyata Charitra and Amogi Kevali). Each stage is described with its characteristics, associated karma, and duration.
Ahar Dwar (Nourishment Principles) (Page 123-135): This section explains the types of nourishment souls receive: Ojahara (sustenance through the Taijasa body), Romahara (sustenance through senses), and Prakshepahara (sustenance through mouth).
Aharani Ichchha Dwar (Desire for Nourishment Principles) (Page 125-136): This section discusses the varying degrees and durations of desire for nourishment in different beings and realms.
Kimahara Dwar (Type of Nourishment Principles) (Page 127-137): This section explores from which directions or realms beings draw their nourishment.
Jiva Bheda Dwar (Classification of Souls Principles) (Page 128-142): This section delves into the diverse classifications of souls based on their karmic states, number of senses, birth processes (Sammurchim vs. Garbhaja), and stages of spiritual evolution.
Veda Dwar (Sex/Gender Principles) (Page 133-146): This section discusses the three types of genders/sexual inclinations (Purusha, Stri, Napunsaka Veda) and their manifestations in different beings.
Kashaya Dwar (Passions/Wrathful Emotions Principles) (Page 137-148): This section elaborates on the four primary passions: Krodha (anger), Mana (pride), Maya (deception), and Lobha (greed), classifying them according to their intensity and effect on spiritual progress (Anantanubandhi, Apratyakhyani, Pratyakhyani, Sanjvalana).
Sangya Dwar (Conscious States/Innate Tendencies Principles) (Page 139-151): This section describes innate tendencies or conscious states related to food, sex, speech, and possession, as well as other psychological states.
Swakaya Sthiti Dwar (Self-Body Tenure Principles) (Page 142-154): This section explains the duration a soul remains in a particular type of body or realm before undergoing transmigration.
Virah Kala Dwar (Separation/Absence Period Principles) (Page 145-158): This section deals with the time interval between the departure of one soul and the arrival of another in a particular realm or existence.
Chavana nu (Migration) ane Upajavani Sankhya Dwar (Number of Migrations and Births Principles) (Page 148-159): This section quantifies the number of souls migrating from one existence to another and being born in different realms within a given time frame.
Mati Dwar (Mind Principles): (Included in the list but not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt of the table of contents, likely covered within other sensory or knowledge chapters).
Agati Dwar (Movement/Transmigration Principles) (Page 157-164): This section describes the paths and destinations of souls as they move between different realms of existence.
Aagati Dwar (Arrival Principles) (Page 157-172): This section explains the origins and realms from which souls arrive into specific existences.
Sampada Dwar (States/Accomplishments Principles) (Page 163-178): This section discusses various statuses, achievements, and powers that souls attain in different stages of existence, including the celestial treasures (Chaud Ratna) and royal statuses.
Deva Dwar (Celestial Principles) (Page 169-180): This section details the different classes of celestial beings, their realms, lifespans, and powers.
Sanjati Dwar (Classification/Grouping Principles) (Page 171-190): This section elaborates on the classification and grouping of beings, particularly focusing on the different stages of spiritual discipline and vows (Samyati, Samyat-asamayati, Asamyati, Vrati, etc.).
Jarudhvar (Old Age/Degradation Principles) (Page 181-183): This section likely discusses the principles related to decline, aging, or degradation within different existences.
Parigraha Dwar (Possession/Attachment Principles) (Page 182-185): This section deals with the concept of attachment and possession, both internal (karmic, bodily) and external (material), as a cause of bondage.
Alp Bahutva Dwar (Minority/Majority Principles) (Page 182-198): This is a comparative analysis of the number of souls in different categories and realms, highlighting which are numerically smaller and which are larger.
Sanjhi Dwar (Conscious States/Innate Tendencies Principles) (Page 189-200): This section, also listed as "Sanjhi Dwar" again, likely reiterates or further elaborates on innate tendencies and conscious states, possibly with a focus on their persistence or nature.
Prakirna Dwar (Miscellaneous/Miscellaneous Principles) (Page 191-208): This final section covers miscellaneous topics, including the nature of measurements (Angula, Yojan, Palya, Sagaropama), the calculation of time, and the cumulative spiritual development leading to liberation.

Key Themes and Significance:

Comprehensive Cosmological Framework: The book provides a detailed map of the Jain universe, outlining the different realms, inhabitants, and the underlying principles that govern their existence and transmigration.
Spiritual Journey of the Soul: It meticulously traces the soul's journey through various forms of existence, emphasizing the impact of karma, senses, knowledge, passions, and actions on its spiritual progress.
Stages of Spiritual Purity: The detailed explanation of the fourteen Gunasthanas highlights the gradual process of purification and self-realization that leads to liberation.
Moral and Ethical Guidance: By describing the consequences of negative passions (Kashayas) and wrong viewpoints (Mithya-drishti), the text implicitly offers moral and ethical guidance for leading a virtuous life.
Numerical and Comparative Analysis: The text utilizes numerical data and comparative analysis (Alp Bahutva) to illustrate the vastness of the universe and the relative numbers of souls in different states.
Role of Inspiration and Sponsorship: The preface highlights the significant role of Guruni Shri Saubhagyashreeji's inspiration and the financial support from Umedchand Raichand in bringing this important work to light, emphasizing the collaborative effort in disseminating Jain knowledge.

Target Audience and Purpose:

The book is intended for Jain scholars, monks, nuns, and dedicated lay followers who wish to gain a profound understanding of Jain cosmology, the mechanics of transmigration, and the path to spiritual liberation. It serves as an essential reference text for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of Jain philosophy.

In essence, "Dandakadik Dwar Sangraha" is a rigorous and systematic exposition of fundamental Jain doctrines, providing a comprehensive roadmap for understanding the intricacies of existence and the path to spiritual emancipation.