Dravyanubhav Ratnakar - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Dravyanubhav Ratnakar" (The Ocean of Substance Experience), authored by Param Yogi Shrichidanandji Maharaj and published by Jamnalal Kothari, is a significant work in Jain philosophy, particularly focusing on the nature of reality as understood within the Jain tradition.

The book's introductory sections and the author's biography reveal the context and purpose of this text:

Core Objective: The text aims to elucidate the fundamental principles of Jainism, especially the concept of "Dravya" (substance) and the experiential understanding ("Anubhav") of these substances. It seeks to provide clarity on complex philosophical concepts, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and direct spiritual experience.

Addressing the Present Era (Pancham Kal): The introduction on Page 4 highlights the challenges of the current era (Pancham Kal) where spiritual attainments like Keval Gyan (omniscience) are absent. This makes the understanding of true principles difficult, as there's a scarcity of Mahatma's who can grasp and explain the subtle secrets of Jain philosophy. Therefore, the book emphasizes the importance of studying scriptures and philosophical texts as the primary means to gain true knowledge and make correct decisions about reality.

Dispelling Doctrinal Differences: The text acknowledges the differences in understanding substances among various philosophical schools and even within Jainism itself. It aims to clarify these points through reasoned arguments and scriptural references.

Content and Structure: The book's table of contents (Page 30) provides a detailed outline of its vast coverage:

Introduction to Nischaya and Vyavahara: The initial sections (Pages 32-46) delve into the crucial concepts of Nischaya (absolute truth/viewpoint) and Vyavahara (conventional truth/viewpoint). The author meticulously breaks down the etymology and philosophical implications of these terms, explaining how they are interconnected and essential for a complete understanding of reality. It highlights that mistaking one for the other leads to disputes.
Causality: The text explores the nature of cause and effect, detailing various types of causes like Upadan (material cause), Nimitta (instrumental cause), Samavayi (inherent cause), Asamavayi (non-inherent cause), and Apaksha (dependent cause), often using analogies to explain these abstract concepts.
The Six Substances (Dravyas): A major portion of the book (Pages 43-103) is dedicated to the detailed exposition of the six eternal substances in Jainism:
- Jiva (Soul): Described with its essential characteristics, qualities, and permutations.
- Ajiva (Non-soul): This category is further broken down into:
  - Dharma (Principle of Motion): Explaining its role in facilitating movement.
  - Adharma (Principle of Rest): Explaining its role in facilitating rest.
  - Akasha (Space): Describing its function of providing space for substances.
  - Pudgala (Matter): Detailing its various forms, attributes (color, taste, odor, touch), and permutations.
  - Kala (Time): Discussed as a substance, though its nature is debated among different schools, and here it's presented as a contributing factor to change.
- The text also addresses the relationship between these substances and their place in the universe.
Nayas (Viewpoints): The book extensively discusses the concept of Nayas, which are different standpoints or perspectives from which reality can be viewed. It explains the seven Nayas (Nigamana, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rjujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, Evam-bhuta) and their application in understanding the multi-faceted nature of reality, emphasizing that no single Naya captures the complete truth. It also critiques the differing interpretations of Nayas by Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.
Pramanas (Means of Knowledge): The text elaborates on valid means of knowledge, contrasting Jain perspectives with other Indian philosophical systems like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. It emphasizes the Jain view of two main categories of Pramana: Pratyaksha (direct perception) and Paroksha (indirect perception).
Saptabhangi (Sevenfold Predication): The doctrine of Saptabhangi, which asserts that a thing can be described from seven different perspectives (syad-asti, syad-nasti, syad-asti-nasti, etc.), is explained as a way to reconcile seemingly contradictory attributes and understand the complex nature of reality.
Pudgala (Matter) and its Qualities: A significant portion is dedicated to the granular details of matter, its transformation, and its attributes like color, taste, odor, and touch, as well as concepts like Skandha (aggregate), Desha (part), and Parmanu (atom).
Eightfold Classification (Prakarana): The text also touches upon the eighty-four lakh (8.4 million) life-forms (Jivayoni) and their classification based on the number of senses, states of existence, and life cycles.
Author's Personal Journey: The latter part of the book includes a biographical sketch of the author, Chidanand Maharaj (Pages 8-24), detailing his spiritual quest, his initial life experiences, his renunciation, and his eventual attainment of spiritual knowledge. This adds a personal dimension and credibility to the philosophical exposition. He describes his early life, his exposure to various religious discussions, his eventual inclination towards Jainism, and his deep spiritual experiences that informed his writings. The biographical details, including his birth and passing dates (Page 7), provide historical context.

Key Themes and Significance:

Experiential Knowledge: The title itself, "Dravyanubhav Ratnakar," signifies the book's emphasis on experiencing the truth of substances rather than just theoretical knowledge. It encourages readers to engage with these concepts on a deeper, experiential level.
Holistic Approach: The text strives for a holistic understanding of Jain philosophy, integrating various doctrines and concepts to present a coherent worldview.
Clarity and Accessibility: Despite the profound nature of the subject matter, the author aims for clarity, stating that the book is structured so that even those with average intellect can grasp its teachings, and those with sharper minds can further enlighten others.
Devotion and Spiritual Guidance: The book is presented with a devotional tone, seeking blessings and offering spiritual guidance to seekers of truth.
Comprehensive Refutation of Other Philosophies: The text engages in critical analysis, often refuting the claims of other philosophical schools to establish the validity and superiority of the Jain perspective.

In essence, "Dravyanubhav Ratnakar" is a scholarly and devotional work that serves as a guide to understanding the core tenets of Jainism, particularly the nature of reality through its six eternal substances, the importance of correct viewpoints (Nayas), and the path to spiritual realization. It acts as a "jewel-mine" for those who wish to explore the depths of Dravyanuyoga (the branch of Jain scripture dealing with substances).