Drushti Ka Vishay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Drushti ka Vishay" (The Subject of Vision) by Jayesh M Sheth, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Drushti ka Vishay (दृष्टि का विषय - The Subject of Vision) Author: Jayesh M Sheth Publisher: Shailesh P Shah

Core Theme: The central theme of the book is the attainment of Samya-darshan (Right Faith/Perception) in Jainism, which is considered the gateway to the path of liberation (Moksha). The author emphasizes that true Samya-darshan is not merely intellectual understanding or blind faith but a direct, internal experience of the pure soul (Shuddhatma).

Key Concepts and Arguments:

The Nature of Samya-darshan:
- Samya-darshan is defined as the state where a soul, even amidst the presence of attachment and aversion (Raag-Dvesh), identifies itself exclusively with the pure, true soul (Shuddhatma) and experiences oneness with it. This is the method of achieving Samya-darshan.
- It is the first and most crucial step on the path to liberation. Without it, right knowledge (Samyag-gyan) and right conduct (Samyak-charitra) cannot truly begin or yield their ultimate fruit.
The Primacy of Samya-darshan:
- The book extensively quotes various Jain scriptures and Acharyas (like Kundakundacharya, Samantbhadra, Amritchandra, Yogindra Dev, Todarmalji, Sakalkirti) to highlight the supreme importance of Samya-darshan.
- It's described as the root of all religion, the captain of the ship on the path to Moksha, and more vital than even right knowledge and conduct.
- Even abandoning severe sins like the seven vices (Sapt Vyasan) is secondary to eradicating Mithyatva (delusion or wrong faith), which is the root cause of suffering and repeated rebirths.
Mithyatva as the Greatest Sin:
- Mithyatva (misguided beliefs and wrong perception) is identified as the primary cause of suffering and entrapment in the cycle of birth and death. It's considered a greater sin than even the seven vices, as it leads to lower states of existence like Nigoda, where the very potential for Samya-darshan is lost for long periods.
- While those who commit vices might feel remorse or be viewed negatively by society, those under the influence of Mithyatva often perceive themselves as righteous through external observances, thus perpetuating their delusion without self-awareness.
The Object of Vision (Drushti ka Vishay):
- The "object of vision" refers to what one's drushti (perception or vision) should be focused on for Samya-darshan.
- This object is the pure soul (Shuddhatma), which is described as the eternal, unchanging essence, distinct from body, senses, emotions, and karmic influences.
- The book argues that the common mistake is to focus on external rituals, beliefs about deities, gurus, scriptures, or even the nine substances (Nav-tattva) without direct experience of the soul. True Samya-darshan arises from experiencing the pure soul within.
The Role of Discrimination (Bhed-gyan):
- A crucial element for attaining Samya-darshan is Bhed-gyan (discriminative knowledge) – the clear understanding of the difference between the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva), and specifically, the difference between the soul's pure, unaffected essence and its karmically conditioned states (Vibhav-bhav).
- The author clarifies that while detailed knowledge of substance, attributes, and modes (Dravya-Guna-Paryay) is helpful, the primary necessity is the discrimination between the soul and its accidental states.
Understanding Substance, Attributes, and Modes (Dravya-Guna-Paryay):
- A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the Jain concept of reality as Dravya (substance), Guna (attributes), and Paryay (modes or states).
- It emphasizes that the soul (Dravya) is one, indivisible, and eternal, possessing infinite attributes (Gunas). Its current states or transformations (Paryayas) are temporary and conditioned by karma.
- The author refutes the idea of literal division of substance into parts, explaining that attributes and modes are not separate entities but rather descriptions of the inherent characteristics and temporary manifestations of the one substance. The concept of "Kathan-chit Bhed-Abhedrup" (relatively different and non-different) is used to explain this.
The Nature of Causality (Nimit-Upadan):
- The book clarifies the relationship between the efficient cause (Nimitta – e.g., karma, external conditions) and the material cause (Upadan – the inherent potential within the soul).
- While external factors (Nimitta) play a role in the manifestation of effects (like karmic bondage), the ultimate transformation occurs within the soul (Upadan). A wise person discerns this and avoids misplaced blame or reliance on external factors, focusing on purifying their own internal state.
The Importance of Intention and Experience:
- Mere external observances or beliefs without inner realization are considered insufficient. True Samya-darshan involves an internal, experiential realization of the soul's pure nature.
- The author stresses that mere faith in the nine substances or external devotion to deities/gurus without self-knowledge is only Vyavahar (conventional truth) and not the decisive Nishchaya (ultimate truth) that leads to liberation.
Correcting Misinterpretations:
- The author addresses and corrects common misinterpretations, particularly those stemming from the teachings of spiritual saints like Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, where some might distort or misunderstand the emphasis on the pure soul (Dravya) over its temporary states (Paryay).
- The book argues that understanding the correct relationship between Dravya and Paryay is essential to avoid falling into the trap of either eternalism (attributing permanence to temporary states) or nihilism (denying the soul's existence).
The Role of Mind and Attention:
- The mind plays a crucial role in focusing attention. The text explains that the mind's attention, when directed towards the pure soul and its essence, leads to Samya-darshan.
- The author discusses the difference between various types of contemplation (Dhyan) – auspicious (Shubh), inauspicious (Ashubh), and pure (Shuddh) – and highlights that only contemplation on the pure soul (Shuddhatma) leads to true liberation.
The Path of Fourfold Conduct and Twelve Reflections:
- The book indirectly touches upon the importance of ethical conduct (like Right Conduct, though not detailed as a primary focus) and internal reflections (like the Twelve Reflections - Bhavanas) as preparatory steps and supporting practices for cultivating the right perspective.
The True Nature of Knowledge and Experience:
- Sensory knowledge (Indriya-gyan) is acknowledged as a form of knowledge, but it's considered partial and external. The ultimate knowledge is the direct, self-experience of the soul (Swatmanubhuti).
- The text emphasizes that the soul is not located in a specific part of the body but is all-pervading, and its experience is through the mind, which becomes purified and focused on the soul's essence.

Structure and Content: The book is structured with a preface by Pt. Devendra Kumarji Jain, followed by the author's heartfelt introduction. It then delves into various topics, including:

The essence of Samya-darshan
The arrangements of substance, attributes, and modes
The doctrine of origination, decay, and permanence (Utpad-Vyay-Dhruv)
Differences based on perspective (Drushti Bhed se Bhed)
Illustrative verses from scriptures like Panchadhyayi, Shravakachar, Niyamsar, Samaysar, Ashtapahud, Panchastikaya, and more.
The importance of Samya-darshan in the path to Moksha.
The nature of the object of vision (Drushti ka Vishay).
Self-realization (Swatmanubhuti) - direct or indirect.
The location of self-realization within the soul.
The distinction between sensory knowledge and true knowledge.
The relationship between inherent states (Swabhav-Paryay) and resultant states (Vibhav-Paryay).
The essence of true faith in the Nine Truths (Nav Tattva).
The characteristics of Samya-darshan.
The role of consumption (Bhog) for the Samya-drishti individual and why it doesn't lead to bondage.
Clarity on efficient and material causes.
The nature of usage (Upayog) and attainment (Labdhi) in Samya-darshan.
Faith without self-experience.
The quality of Nirvichikitsa (non-disgust) in the Samya-drishti.
The prerequisites for Samya-darshan.
Auspicious activities (Shubh-upayog) are not the cause of karmic shedding (Nirjara).
The significance of Right Conduct (Dravya-charitra) without Samya-darshan.
The ability of one engaged in external objects to also be self-realized.
Discussions on meditation, twelve reflections (Bhavanas), food habits, contemplation on peaceful death (Samadhi-maran), and general advice for spiritual seekers.

Overall Purpose: "Drushti ka Vishay" aims to guide sincere seekers towards the profound spiritual realization of the pure soul, which is the bedrock of Jain spiritual practice and the ultimate means to break free from the cycle of suffering and attain eternal bliss. It encourages deep contemplation, scriptural study, and self-effort in understanding the true nature of reality and one's own self.