Jain Darshan Ke Navtattva - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Darshan ke Navtattva" by J.S. Dr. Dharmsheela, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Jain Darshan ke Navtattva (The Nine Truths of Jain Philosophy)

Author: Jain Sadhvi Dr. Dharmsheela (M.A., Ph.D.)

Editor: Dr. Sagarmal Jain

Publisher: Pracya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.), in collaboration with Parshvanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, Research Foundation for Jainology, Chennai, and Shri Gujarati Svetambara Sthanakavasi Jain Association, Chennai.

Publication Year: 2000

Core Subject: The book is a Hindi translation and elaboration of the author's doctoral research thesis on the concept of the nine tattvas (truths or realities) in Jain philosophy, as found in Sanskrit Jain scriptures.

Author's Background and Motivation:

Jain Sadhvi Dr. Dharmsheela is a highly learned Jain nun with a significant academic background (M.A. and Ph.D.).
Her doctoral research, originally written in Marathi, was translated into Gujarati and then into Hindi due to the perceived lack of comprehensive works on this vital topic for Hindi-speaking audiences.
Her primary motivation was to make the profound knowledge of the nine tattvas accessible to Hindi speakers, enabling them to understand the path to liberation.
She received inspiration and guidance from esteemed Jain Acharyas and Mahasatis, including Acharya Samrat 1008 Shri Anandarishiji M.S., Atmarthi Shri Mohanrishiji M.S., Pravartak Shri Vinayrishiji M.S., Acharya Samrat 1008 Devendramuniji M.S., Shri Vinaykunvarji Maharaj, Mahasati Shri Ben Maharaj (Shri Chandanbalaji M.S.), and Mahasati Shri Ujjwalkumari Ji.
Her academic guidance was provided by Dr. D.G. Joshi, Head of the Sanskrit-Prakrit Department at Ahmednagar College.

Central Theme: The Nine Tattvas of Jainism The book's central focus is the detailed exposition of the nine essential realities or principles in Jain philosophy, which are considered fundamental for understanding the path to liberation and spiritual upliftment. These nine tattvas are:

Jivatattva (Soul/Conscious Substance): The primary principle of existence, characterized by consciousness (knowledge and perception). The book explores its nature, characteristics, classifications, and the history of soul-affirmation in Indian philosophy. It also contrasts Jain views with other philosophical schools.
Ajivatattva (Non-Soul/Inert Substance): Encompassing all that is not soul, these are inert and unconscious. This includes Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), and Kaal (time). The book delves into the nature of these substances, their characteristics, and their classification.
Punya Tattva (Virtue/Merit): Actions that lead to pleasant and auspicious results, considered meritorious karma. The book discusses its various forms, interpretations in different philosophical contexts, and its role in spiritual progress, though emphasizing it's still a form of bondage.
Papa Tattva (Sin/Demerit): Actions that lead to unpleasant and inauspicious results, considered sinful karma. The book analyzes its nature, causes, and consequences, highlighting its binding nature and the necessity of renunciation.
Asrava Tattva (Influx of Karma): The process by which karma enters the soul, primarily driven by passions (Kashayas) and sensory indulgence (Pramada). The text details the various doors and causes of karma influx.
Samvara Tattva (Arrest of Karma Influx): The process of stopping the influx of new karma. This is achieved through self-control, mindfulness, ethical conduct (like vows), and detachment. It is presented as the crucial step to halt further bondage.
Nirjara Tattva (Exhaustion of Karma): The process of shedding accumulated karma. This is primarily achieved through austerities (Tapas), penance, meditation, and virtuous actions. Nirjara leads to the gradual purification of the soul.
Bandha Tattva (Bondage of Karma): The state where karmic particles attach to the soul due to its passions and activities, leading to bondage and transmigration. The book explains the nature of this bondage, its causes (primarily passions and activities), and its different types.
Moksha Tattva (Liberation): The ultimate goal in Jainism, representing the complete annihilation of all karmas and the soul's attainment of its pure, inherent state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. It is the state of ultimate freedom and perfection.

Key Philosophical Concepts Discussed:

Six Dravyas: The fundamental substances in the Jain universe: Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Akash, and Kaal.
Nine Tattvas: The classification of these six dravyas into the nine tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha, Moksha) for understanding the path to liberation.
Karma Theory: The detailed explanation of how karma operates, its types (ghati and aghati), and the processes of bandha (bondage), nirjara (shedding), and ashrava (influx).
Anekantavada and Syadvada: While not explicitly detailed in the summary of the tattvas themselves, the author's emphasis on understanding these concepts underscores the Jain principle of manifold perspectives.
Soul's Nature: The eternal, conscious, and potentially perfect nature of the soul (Jiva) is a central theme.
Path to Moksha: The book systematically outlines the path from bondage (Asrava and Bandha) through cessation (Samvara) and purification (Nirjara) to the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
Theological Comparisons: The book touches upon comparisons of these concepts with other Indian philosophical systems like Vedanta, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya-Vaisheshika, and Buddhism, highlighting Jainism's unique perspectives.
Scientific Correlations: The author attempts to draw parallels between certain Jain principles (like the existence of life in all elements, karma, and subtle matter) and modern scientific discoveries, suggesting the ancient wisdom of Jainism.

Structure and Content: The book is structured into ten chapters, each dedicated to a specific tattva or an introductory/concluding theme:

Chapter 1: Introduction: Defines tattva, discusses the debate on the number of tattvas (seven vs. nine), and emphasizes the importance of the nine tattvas for self-realization and world peace, especially in contrast to modern materialistic pursuits.
Chapter 2: Jivatattva: Focuses on the soul, its characteristics, historical evolution of the concept of soul in Indian thought, and its unique Jain perspective compared to other philosophies.
Chapter 3: Ajivatattva: Explains the non-soul substances, including matter, space, time, and the principles of motion and rest, providing scientific and philosophical insights.
Chapter 4: Punya and Papa Tattvas: Discusses virtue and sin, their role in the cycle of birth and death, and their ultimate status as bondage.
Chapter 5: Asrava Tattva: Details the influx of karma into the soul, its causes (passions, senses, activities), and its various classifications.
Chapter 6: Samvara Tattva: Explains the means to arrest karma influx, focusing on vows, self-control, mindfulness, and ethical conduct.
Chapter 7: Nirjara Tattva: Elaborates on the process of shedding accumulated karma through austerities (external and internal), meditation, and virtuous practices.
Chapter 8: Bandha Tattva: Explains the nature of karmic bondage, its causes, and its processes (Prakriti, Sthiti, Anubhaga, Pradesha bandha).
Chapter 9: Moksha Tattva: Describes the ultimate state of liberation, its nature, means of attainment (Rattnatraya - Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), and the liberation of the soul from all karmic bonds.
Chapter 10: Conclusion: Summarizes the essence of the nine tattvas, reiterates the Jain perspective on the soul, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these principles for holistic development and spiritual progress. It also highlights the universality and timeless relevance of Jain teachings.

Overall Significance: "Jain Darshan ke Navtattva" is presented as a crucial text for anyone seeking to understand the core principles of Jain philosophy. It aims to provide a clear, comprehensive, and accessible explanation of the nine tattvas, bridging the gap between ancient Jain scriptures and the modern reader's understanding. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of these principles in guiding the soul towards ultimate liberation.