Dharmtattva - Book Summary | JainGPT

The provided text is a Gujarati book titled "Dharmatattva" (The Essence of Dharma) by Bhimji Harjivan, published by Sastu Sahityavardhak Karyalay. The catalog link points to a Jain resource. However, the content itself, particularly the extensive biographical section about Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, suggests it is a translation of Chatterjee's work, possibly a treatise on philosophy, religion, and ethics.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Publication and Context:

Title: Dharmatattva (ધર્મતત્વ)
Author: Bhimji Harjivan (translated), with the original author being Bankim Chandra (identified later as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee).
Publisher: Sastu Sahityavardhak Karyalay (સસ્તુ સાહિત્ય વર્ધક કાર્યાલય)
Location: Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Edition: First edition, published in Samvat 1980 (circa 1923-1924 CE).
Details about the "Vividh Granthmala" (Various Book Series): The text includes information about a book series called "Vividh Granthmala" which seems to be a subscription-based publication. "Dharmatattva" is presented as one of its issues. The publication details mention page counts, publication years, and pricing for various books within the series.
New Classification in the Series: From Samvat 1981, the "Vividh Granthmala" is introducing a new section focusing on biographies of great men and women, and the teachings of saints.

Content of Dharmatattva (as inferred from the summary and table of contents):

The core of the text appears to be a philosophical exploration of dharma and human existence, presented in a dialogue between a Guru and a Shishya (disciple). The key concepts discussed include:

The Nature of Suffering (Dukha): The text begins by questioning the nature of suffering and how it relates to religious or righteous living, referencing a philosophical discussion about suffering.
The Nature of Happiness (Sukha): This is explored in relation to dharma and suffering.
The Meaning of Dharma: Dharma is explored as a fundamental concept, linked to righteousness and duty.
The Essence of Manhood (Manushyatva): This seems to be a central theme, discussing what it means to be truly human.
Anushilan (Cultivation/Practice): This concept is repeatedly mentioned, suggesting a focus on the practical application of principles for self-cultivation and development.
Samanjasya (Harmony/Balance): This is presented as a key principle, particularly in managing one's inner faculties and the interplay between different aspects of life.
The Relationship between Harmony and Happiness: The text explores how achieving balance contributes to happiness.
Physical and Mental Faculties: There's a discussion about various physical and mental faculties and their proper cultivation.
The Role of Dharma in Life: The text emphasizes that dharma is the sole means to happiness, both in this life and potentially in the next.
The Concept of Upasana (Worship/Devotion): The text delves into the nature of worship, distinguishing between impersonal and personal aspects of the divine, and the methods of devotion.
The Importance of Knowledge (Jnana): Knowledge is presented as crucial for understanding God and performing worship correctly.
Karma Yoga and Renunciation (Sanyasa): The text discusses the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on performing actions without attachment to their results and the concept of renunciation.
Bhakti Yoga: This is presented as the ultimate path, integrating all other faculties towards God. The text discusses the nature of devotion, its importance, and how it leads to liberation.
Pashu Preeti (Love for Animals): The text touches upon the broader concept of compassion and kindness towards all living beings, a significant aspect of Hindu dharma.
Daya (Compassion): This virtue is highlighted as a fundamental aspect of dharma, crucial for personal and societal well-being.
Swajan Preeti (Love for one's own people/family): This is discussed in the context of expanding love outward.
Swadesh Preeti (Patriotism/Love for one's country): This is presented as an extension of love for one's own people and a significant aspect of dharma.
The Ultimate Goal: Ishwar Bhakti (Devotion to God): The text ultimately concludes that all paths and disciplines lead to devotion to God.

Biographical Section on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee:

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the biography of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, referred to as "Babu Bankim Chandra ka Sankshipt Vrittant" (A Brief Account of Babu Bankim Chandra). This section provides extensive details about his life, including:

Birth and Early Life: His birthplace, parents, and childhood illness.
Education: His academic brilliance from a young age, his studies at Hugli and Presidency Colleges, and his early success in examinations.
Career: His appointment as a Deputy Magistrate and his subsequent career in government service.
Literary Beginnings: His early interest in writing and poetry.
Personal Life: His marriages, his deep respect for his wife, and his views on women.
Intellectual Development: His studies in English and Sanskrit literature.
Courage and Integrity: Numerous anecdotes are provided to illustrate his bravery, sense of justice, love for truth, respect for elders, and his unwavering stance against injustice, even when it involved challenging British officials. These include incidents during his service, facing down a soldier with a dog, dealing with martial law, confronting corrupt officials, and standing up against oppressive landlords.
His Writings: The text mentions his novels and philosophical works like "Krishna Charitra" and "Dharmatattva," highlighting their significance in exploring devotion and selfless action.
His Views on Religion and Philosophy: The text indicates that Chatterjee had deep religious studies and beliefs, and his philosophical ideas were aimed at benefiting his countrymen.
His Later Life and Devotion: His increased focus on religious and philosophical pursuits in his later years, his deep devotion to Lord Krishna, and his prayers during difficult times are described.
His Death: His passing away in Samvat 1981 (circa 1924 CE).
Legacy and Impact: His contribution to Bengali literature, his influence on the youth, and his reputation as the "Emperor of Bengali Literature" are emphasized. He is credited with elevating Bengali prose and inspiring patriotism.

Overall:

"Dharmatattva" appears to be a Jain-oriented publication (given the catalog link and publisher's context) that translates and presents a significant philosophical work by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The text offers a dialogue between a Guru and Shishya exploring core concepts of dharma, happiness, suffering, and the path to spiritual realization, primarily through the lens of anushilan (cultivation/practice) and devotion. The inclusion of Bankim Chandra's biography highlights his intellectual prowess, courage, and his profound impact on Indian thought and literature. The book seems to advocate for a holistic approach to life, integrating physical, intellectual, and spiritual development, with a strong emphasis on love for God and humanity as the ultimate goal.The book "Dharmatattva" (ધર્મતત્વ), authored by Bhimji Harjivan as a translator and featuring the original ideas of Bankim Chandra, published by Sastu Sahityavardhak Karyalay, is a philosophical treatise presented in a dialogue format between a Guru and a Shishya. The core of the discussion revolves around understanding fundamental concepts related to life, happiness, suffering, and the path to spiritual well-being, all within the framework of dharma.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and discussions:

I. The Nature of Suffering and Happiness:

The dialogue begins with a discussion about suffering, using the example of a character named Vachaspati Mahashay, who experienced significant misfortunes like poverty, illness, and the destruction of his home. The Guru argues that suffering arises from adharma (unrighteousness) and is a consequence of neglecting one's duties (dharma), whether in this life or past lives. This leads to the exploration of what constitutes true happiness and suffering:

Suffering as a consequence of Adharma: The Guru posits that misfortunes like poverty, illness, and loss are results of adharma, or actions contrary to one's inherent duties and natural laws.
The Misconception of Suffering: The Guru challenges the Shishya's perception that Vachaspati Mahashay, being religious, should not suffer. The argument is that if suffering exists, it must stem from some form of adharma.
Dharma and Physical Laws: Even seemingly natural occurrences like catching a cold are linked to adharma if one neglects physical well-being (a form of dharma).
True Suffering vs. Discomfort: The Guru distinguishes between genuine suffering (like lack of basic necessities like food and shelter) and mere discomfort or dissatisfaction stemming from unfulfilled desires for luxury.
The Role of Effort and Cultivation: The text emphasizes that happiness and well-being are not merely passive states but require effort and the proper cultivation of one's faculties.

II. Anushilan (Cultivation/Practice) as the Core Principle:

The central concept introduced is Anushilan, meaning cultivation or practice. The Guru explains that:

Dharma is Anushilan: Righteousness and the path to happiness are achieved through the proper cultivation of one's inherent faculties (virtues).
Anushilan vs. Abhyas: Anushilan is distinct from mere abhyas (practice or rote learning). Anushilan implies a harmonious and natural development of faculties, aligned with their inherent potential, while abhyas can sometimes be against one's nature.
Stages of Human Development: The text uses the analogy of plant growth (from a small sprout to a large tree) to explain the stages of human development, emphasizing the need for nurturing and cultivation to reach full potential.
The Goal of Anushilan: The ultimate aim of Anushilan is to achieve complete development of all faculties, leading to true happiness and ultimately, manushyatva (humanhood or perfected humanity).

III. The Three Types of Faculties and Their Cultivation:

The text categorizes human faculties into three main types:

Physical Faculties: These relate to the body, its health, strength, and sensory organs.
Knowledge-Acquiring Faculties (Jnana-arjani Vritti): These include intellect, reasoning, and the capacity for learning and understanding.
Action-Oriented Faculties (Karyakarini Vritti): These are the faculties that drive action, including physical exertion, courage, and the will to do.
Appreciative Faculties (Chittaranjini Vritti): These relate to experiencing beauty, joy, and artistic appreciation, encompassing aspects like art, music, and poetry.

The Guru explains that the harmonious cultivation and balance of all these faculties are essential for achieving manushyatva and true happiness.

IV. The Role of Dharma and the Concept of "Samajasa" (Harmony):

Dharma as the Path to Happiness: The text reiterates that dharma is the sole path to happiness, both in this life and potentially in the next.
The Importance of Balance (Samajasa): A crucial aspect is maintaining balance among all faculties. Over-indulgence in one, even a seemingly positive one, at the expense of others, leads to disharmony. The analogy of a garden with various plants is used to illustrate this.
The Concept of Dharma: The Guru explains the multifaceted meaning of "Dharma," encompassing religion, morality, virtue, and righteous conduct. He emphasizes that true dharma is not about blind adherence to rituals but about understanding and living in accordance with universal principles that promote well-being.
The Superiority of Hindu Dharma: The text suggests that Hindu dharma, with its emphasis on the integration of all faculties, the concept of Brahman, and the balanced approach to life, is the most complete and ideal path.

V. Devotion (Bhakti) as the Ultimate Goal:

Bhakti as the Integration of All Faculties: The Guru concludes that all pursuits – knowledge, action, and appreciation – ultimately lead to or should be directed towards Bhakti (devotion to the Divine).
The Nature of True Devotion: True devotion is not mere ritual or outward show but an inward surrender and alignment of all faculties towards the Divine. It's about striving for a state of being where all actions and thoughts are oriented towards God.
The Ideal of Manushyatva: Achieving this state of manushyatva (perfected humanity) is the ultimate goal, which is attainable through the balanced cultivation of all faculties and their ultimate surrender to the Divine.

VI. The Biographical Account of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee:

The text includes an extensive biography of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, praising his intellectual brilliance, literary contributions, courage, integrity, and deep philosophical insights. It highlights his patriotism, his ability to stand against injustice, and his profound influence on Bengali literature and thought. This biographical section serves to underscore the wisdom and depth of the author whose ideas are being discussed.

In essence, "Dharmatattva" advocates for a life of balanced cultivation of all human faculties, guided by Dharma, leading ultimately to true happiness and spiritual fulfillment through devotion to the Divine. It emphasizes that true wisdom lies not just in knowledge but in the harmonious practice and integration of all aspects of life, guided by righteous principles.