Jain Darshan Ke Maulik Tattva

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Darshan ke Maulik Tattva" by Nathmalmuni and Chhaganlal Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Darshan ke Maulik Tattva (Fundamental Principles of Jain Philosophy) Author(s): Nathmalmuni (Main Author), Chhaganlal Shastri (Managing Editor) Publisher: Motilal Bengani Charitable Trust Calcutta Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010093/1

Overall Theme: The book aims to provide a thorough and systematic exposition of the fundamental principles of Jainism, drawing upon the works of Acharya Shri Tulsi, specifically "Jain Siddhant Deepika" and "Bhikshu Nyaya Karnika." It seeks to present Jain philosophy in an accessible and impactful manner for the understanding of its core tenets.

Summary of Content (Based on the provided pages):

The text is presented as a multi-volume work, with the provided pages belonging to Volume II, further divided into Fourth and Fifth Sections. The Fourth Section focuses on Tattva Mimamsa (Metaphysics/Ontology), and the Fifth Section delves into Achara Mimamsa (Ethics/Conduct).

Fourth Section: Tattva Mimamsa (Metaphysics/Ontology)

This section begins by laying the groundwork for Jain philosophy. Key concepts explored include:

• Background of Jain Tattvavad (Jain Theory of Principles):
  • Jain Philosophy's Theism: Jainism is presented as profoundly theistic, adhering to four key principles: self-reliance (Atmavada), the existence of the universe (Lokavada), the law of karma (Karmavada), and the efficacy of action (Kriyavada). It emphasizes that these are not mere beliefs but existentially real.
  • Synthesis of Faith and Reason: Jainism is portrayed as a philosophy that appeals to both the faithful and the rationalists. It values reasoned inquiry, allowing for critical examination of teachings ("Pareekshya Bhikshavo grahya, ma vachaho na tu gauravat" - Examine, O monks, and accept my word, but not out of reverence alone).
  • The Philosophy of the Seer (Drashta ka Darshan): Jainism is not about debate but about the path to self-liberation, self-discovery, and self-realization. Its core mantra is the pursuit and adherence to truth.
  • Definition of Philosophy: Philosophy is defined as the realization or attainment of reality (Tattva). The primary reality is the Soul (Atma), as knowing the Soul means knowing everything.
  • Value Judgment: While all elements of reality (Tattva) are equal in existence, the Soul is considered the most valuable. Value is determined by consciousness. Existence is inherent, but value is related to consciousness. Philosophy's function is twofold: determining the nature of things (Jneya) and determining their value (Heva and Upadeya).
  • Perspectives of Value Judgment:
    • Theoretical/Intellectual: Based on the existence of things.
    • Practical/Ethical: Based on actions and morality.
    • Spiritual/Religious/Ultimate: Based on spiritual realization and the ultimate purpose of life.
  • The Nature of Reality and Value: Concepts of beauty, goodness, affection, and utility are subjective, depending on the perceiver. Ultimately, the Soul is the beautiful, the good, and the desirable.
  • The System of Philosophy: Philosophy is based on logic (Yukti) and deals with the inherent qualities of reality. It's considered a science of reality and a science of reasoning. It examines concepts like soul, non-soul, motion, rest, time, space, matter, life, and God.
  • Foundation of Theistic Philosophies - Atmavada (Theism): The root of Indian philosophy is the soul. The desire to know one's origin, destination, and identity gives rise to philosophy. Theism is built on the belief in the soul.
  • Definition of Truth: Truth is what the Jinas (those who have conquered passions and achieved liberation) have declared. It's verifiable by reasoning and experience. Veetaraags (those free from passion) are not mistaken speakers.
  • History of Philosophical Tradition: The text touches upon the origin of philosophy in India, tracing it from the Upanishads, and the philosophical periods of Buddhism and Jainism. It discusses the shift from the Agam period (faith-centric) to the philosophical period (examination-centric), highlighting the importance of both faith and reason.
  • The Interplay of Agama and Logic: Agama (scriptural authority) and logic are presented as complementary tools for understanding reality, especially the subtle and supersensuous. Logic alone is insufficient for comprehending such realities.
  • The Misuse of Logic: While logic is crucial, its misuse in debates and arguments to prove points rather than find truth is cautioned against.
  • The Origin of Philosophy: The origin of philosophy is rooted in wonder (Greek) or doubt (Western), while Indian philosophy stems from the quest to alleviate suffering.
  • The Goal of Jain Philosophy: The goal is spiritual experience, which is the realization of one's independent selfhood, not necessarily absorption into a universal soul. It emphasizes the inherent potential of every soul.
  • Problems and Solutions: The text discusses fundamental philosophical problems like the eternal or impermanent nature of the universe and the soul, the relationship between soul and body, the cause of diversity among beings, and the nature of action and its consequences. It posits that the doctrine of Anekanta (Non-absolutism) is essential for resolving these paradoxes.
  • Two Streams of Thought: The discussion touches upon the divergence between Kriyavada (believers in action and its consequences) and Akriyavada (those who deny the efficacy of action and consequences).
  • Rebirth and Karma: The text delves into the concept of rebirth and the role of karma in shaping one's experiences.
  • The Soul (Atmavada): This is a significant focus. It explores "Why the Soul?", "What is the Soul?", the Jain perspective on the soul's nature, comparisons with other Indian philosophical views (Upanishadic, Buddhist, Nyaya, Sankhya, Vedanta), the distinction between living and non-living, practical and ultimate characteristics of the soul, the concept of soul-body relation, the influence of mental activity on the body, the role of consciousness, and the limitations of science in understanding the soul. It discusses scientific experiments related to consciousness and the possibility of artificial intelligence.
  • The Concept of "Jivapariman" (Size of the Soul): Jainism posits that the soul is neither infinitely large nor infinitely small but has a size relative to the body it inhabures. The concept of the soul's magnitude and its transformation is explored.
  • The Nature of the Soul from a Jain Perspective: The soul is characterized as eternal and impermanent (Nityanitya), a doer and experiencer, forming karma, of medium size, and not all-pervading.
  • Comparisons with Other Indian Philosophies: The text systematically compares and contrasts the Jain view of the soul with those of Buddhism (Anatmavada), Nyaya (eternal, all-pervading), Sankhya (eternal, inactive), Vedanta (individual soul enveloped by intellect), and Vaisheshika.
  • The Soul and Consciousness: The relationship between the soul and consciousness is examined, and it is argued that consciousness is an inherent quality of the soul, not merely a product of the brain or physical elements.
  • Reincarnation: The process and implications of rebirth are discussed, including the inter-interval period (Antaral).
  • The Concept of "Jiva Pariman": This refers to the size of the soul, which is discussed in relation to different bodies and its nature as neither infinitely large nor infinitely small.
  • The Soul's Characteristics: The text details the soul's characteristics, including its eternal yet changing nature, its role as the basis of knowledge, its distinction from the body, and the limitations of sensory perception in understanding it.
  • The Six Nikayas (Categories of Souls): Souls are classified based on their number of senses and states of existence (e.g., Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Vegetation-bodied, and the mobile souls with five senses). The text discusses the concept of "Jiva Vivardhan" (soul development).
  • The Fourfold Cause of Life: The book explains the factors that lead to the creation of life, including the role of the soul, karma, and external influences.
  • The Fourteen Divisions of Living Beings: This classification is based on the number of senses and the state of being either susceptible or immune to karma.
  • Sensory Knowledge and the Five Categories of Life: The interaction of senses and the mind in acquiring knowledge, and how this leads to the classification of beings into five categories based on the number of senses.
  • Mental Knowledge and Sentient/Non-sentient Beings: The role of the mind in knowledge acquisition and the distinction between sentient beings (who possess mental faculties) and non-sentient beings.
  • The Meaning of "Jiva": The text explores the fundamental meaning of "Jiva" (soul or living being) and its inherent consciousness.
  • The Soul's True Nature: The soul's inherent qualities of infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, and infinite power are discussed.
  • The Soul and Time: The soul's relation to time, being eternal and unchanging in essence.
  • The Soul and Space: The soul's nature as an all-pervading entity in the context of spiritual realization.
  • The Soul and Rebirth: The causal chain of rebirth and the transmigration of the soul.
  • The Soul and Karma: The intricate relationship between the soul and karma, how karma binds the soul, and the process of its liberation.
  • The Soul's Self-Reliance: The Jain emphasis on the soul's capacity for self-purification and liberation through its own efforts.

Fifth Section: Achara Mimamsa (Ethics/Conduct)

This section focuses on the ethical and practical aspects of Jainism:

• Jijñasa (Quest for Knowledge): The importance of seeking knowledge about the true nature of reality and the path to liberation.
• Lokavijaya (Victory over the Worldly): Conquering the attachments and aversions that bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death.
• Lokasara (Essence of Life): Understanding the ultimate purpose and essence of life, which is self-realization and liberation.
• Sadhanapatha (Path of Practice): The practical steps and disciplines required for spiritual progress.
• Samsara and Moksha (The Worldly Cycle and Liberation): The nature of worldly existence and the path to liberation from it.
• Sadhanasutra (Principles of Practice): The core principles guiding spiritual practice.
• Samayika (Equanimity): The importance of maintaining mental balance and equanimity in all situations.
• Upashama (Pacification): Cultivating inner peace and tranquility by controlling passions.
• Tittiksha (Endurance): The virtue of patient endurance in the face of hardships.
• Abhaya (Fearlessness): The state of being free from fear through spiritual strength.
• Atmanushasana (Discipline of the Self): The importance of self-control and adherence to ethical principles.
• Samvara and Nirjara (Cessation of Karma and Exhaustion of Karma): The core Jain principles for stopping the influx of new karma and eliminating accumulated karma.
• Mahavrata and Anuvrata (Great Vows and Small Vows): The ethical guidelines for ascetics and householders, respectively.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Right Conduct): The crucial role of celibacy and right conduct in spiritual progress.
• The Levels of Sadhana (Stages of Practice): The gradual progression through spiritual stages towards liberation.
• The Concept of "Gunathana" (Stages of Spiritual Development): The book details the fourteen stages of spiritual progress, from the lowest to the highest state of liberation.
• Samavartana (Cessation of Action) and Kevala (Omniscience): The states achieved at the culmination of the spiritual path.
• Ayog-dasha and Moksha (The State of No Action and Liberation): The final state of liberation where the soul is free from all karmic bondage.

Key Concepts and Themes Recurring:

• Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): The principle of considering reality from multiple perspectives is presented as a foundational aspect of Jain philosophy, crucial for understanding complex issues.
• Syadvada (The Doctrine of Conditional Predication): Related to Anekantavada, it emphasizes that all judgments are relative and conditional.
• The Soul (Jiva): A central focus, exploring its nature, existence, transmigration, and ultimate liberation.
• Karma: The intricate doctrine of karma is explained, including its binding nature, different types, and the process of its shedding.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the supreme principle, encompassing not only physical non-violence but also mental and verbal non-violence.
• Self-Control and Austerity: The importance of discipline, self-control, and various forms of austerity (tapas) in spiritual development.
• The Path to Liberation (Moksha): The book outlines the steps and principles leading to the ultimate goal of Jainism – liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• The Importance of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Triratna): These are presented as the essential triad for achieving liberation.

The provided pages offer a detailed exploration of these concepts, demonstrating a systematic and analytical approach to presenting Jain philosophy. The language is formal and philosophical, indicative of a scholarly work.