Dravyasangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dravyasangraha" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dravyasangraha Author: Muni Nemichandra Siddhantidev Editors/Translators: Dr. Kamlchand Sogani (Editing), Smt. Shakuntala Jain (Translation) Publisher: Apabhramsa Sahitya Academy, Jain Vidya Sansthan, Shri Mahavirji, Rajasthan

Overview and Purpose:

The "Dravyasangraha" (Collection of Substances) is a significant work in Jain philosophy, originally composed in 58 verses (Gathas) in the Shauraseni Prakrit language by Muni Nemichandra Siddhantidev, believed to be from the 11th century. The book's primary purpose, as presented in this edition, is to serve as a pedagogical tool for learning Prakrit language through a detailed study of this foundational Jain text. It aims to make the study of Prakrit accessible and enjoyable for learners.

Key Content and Structure:

The "Dravyasangraha" is divided into three main sections (Adhikaras):

1. First Adhikara: Elucidation of the Six Substances and the Five Astikayas (Approx. 27 Gathas): This section lays the groundwork by defining and explaining the fundamental categories of reality in Jainism.

   • It begins with invocations and the classification of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva).
   • It details the characteristics of the soul, including its nature as consciousness, its attributes, and its state in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) versus its liberated state (Siddha).
   • It discusses the concept of Upayoga (utilization/consciousness) as having two forms: Darshana (perception) and Jnana (knowledge), further categorizing them.
   • The six substances (Dravyas) are introduced: Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
   • It explains the distinction between murt (corporeal/material) and amurt (incorporeal/immaterial) substances, with Pudgala being corporeal due to its qualities (sound, touch, color, taste) and the others being immaterial.
   • Various modifications and attributes of Pudgala (like sound, binding, form, division, darkness, shadow, light, heat) are listed as its transformations.
   • The functions of Dharma and Adharma Dravyas are explained: Dharma facilitates movement for moving beings and substances, while Adharma facilitates rest. Analogies are used, like water for fish (Dharma) and shade for travelers (Adharma).
   • Akasha is described as the space that accommodates all other substances, divided into Lokakasha (where living beings reside) and Alokakasha (space beyond the universe).
   • Kala (time) is explained in its conventional (Vyavahara) and ultimate (Paramartha) aspects, with ultimate time being the basis for change.
   • The concept of Panchastikayas (five existent substances that form the universe) is presented, excluding Kala, which is considered to have only one point in time, thus not forming a "kaya" (body or collection).
   • The existence of atoms (Anus) of Pudgala and their role in forming larger substances is discussed.

2. Second Adhikara: Elucidation of the Seven Tattvas and Nine Padarthas (Approx. 11 Gathas): This section delves into the functional categories and pathways in Jainism.

   • It introduces the key concepts of Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
   • The distinction between Bhava Asrava (mental states leading to karma) and Dravya Asrava (actual karmic particles entering the soul) is made.
   • Similarly, Bhava Bandha (bondage due to mental states) and Dravya Bandha (physical connection of karma to the soul's substances) are explained.
   • Bhava Samvara (cessation of karmic influx through mental control) and Dravya Samvara (physical obstruction of karma) are delineated.
   • Bhava Nirjara (shedding of karma through internal purification and practices like meditation) and Dravya Nirjara (shedding of karma through external austerities or tapas) are presented.
   • Bhava Moksha (state of pure consciousness and liberation) and Dravya Moksha (actual separation of karma from the soul) are described.
   • The primary causes for these (Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha) are linked to the soul's mental states (Bhava) and karmic substances (Dravya).
   • The nine categories (Padarthas) are implicitly covered through these tattvas.
   • The nature of Punya (merit) and Papa (demerit) karmas is discussed, linking them to the soul's experiences of happiness and sorrow.

3. Third Adhikara: Elucidation of the Path to Liberation (Moksha Marga) (Approx. 20 Gathas): This section focuses on the practical path to spiritual realization.

   • It emphasizes Samyagdarshana (right faith/perception), Samyagjnana (right knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (right conduct) as the causes of liberation.
   • It clarifies that from the ultimate perspective (Nischaya Naya), the soul itself, endowed with the "three jewels" (Ratnatraya), is the cause of liberation, not external substances.
   • Samyagdarshana is described as faith in the soul and other substances, and it purifies knowledge.
   • Samyakcharitra is defined as refraining from unwholesome actions and engaging in wholesome ones, further elaborated through vows, disciplines (Samiti), and restraints (Gupti).
   • Nishchaya Charitra (ultimate right conduct) is described as the complete cessation of all internal activities and attachments.
   • The importance of Dhyana (meditation) for attaining liberation is highlighted. Two types are discussed:
     • Nishchaya Dhyana (ultimate meditation) achieved through complete detachment and absorption in the self.
     • Utkrushta Dhyana (excellent meditation) achieved by stabilizing the mind and avoiding attachment or aversion to objects.
   • The text describes the state of the liberated soul (Arhanta) as one free from the four destructive karmas, possessing infinite perception, knowledge, strength, and bliss.
   • It emphasizes the practice of meditation on the self, the Arhanta, and the Siddhas as a path to realization.
   • The importance of the guru's guidance in meditation and spiritual practice is stressed.

Pedagogical Features of This Edition:

This particular edition stands out for its focus on making "Dravyasangraha" accessible for learning Prakrit:

• Grammatical Analysis: Each verse is meticulously broken down with grammatical analysis, identifying parts of speech, case endings, verb conjugations, etc.
• Anvaya: The correct word order for understanding the verse is provided.
• Vyakarana-based Translation: A word-for-word and then a flowing Hindi translation is given, explaining the grammatical structure.
• Vocabularies: Comprehensive glossaries are included:
  • Sangya-kosh (Noun Glossary)
  • Kriya-kosh (Verb Glossary)
  • Kridanta-kosh (Gerund/Participle Glossary)
  • Visheshan-kosh (Adjective Glossary)
  • Sankhya-kosh (Number Glossary)
  • Sarvanama-kosh (Pronoun Glossary)
  • Avyaya-kosh (Indeclinable Glossary)
• Chhanda (Meter): Explanations of the poetic meters used (Gaha, Ugaha, Swagata) are provided, along with their structural rules and examples.
• Instruction for Learning Prakrit: Specific steps are outlined for students to follow to learn Prakrit effectively using this book.

Significance:

The "Dravyasangraha" is a concise yet profound summary of Jain doctrine, covering essential metaphysical principles, ethical guidelines, and the path to liberation. Muni Nemichandra Siddhantidev's work is noted for its clarity and its effective integration of the concepts of Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional truth) in explaining complex philosophical ideas. This edition further enhances its value by making it a prime resource for both the study of Jain philosophy and the Prakrit language.