Jain Darshan Me Dravya Gun Paryaya Ki Avadharna

This book, "Jain Darshan Me Dravya Gun Paryaya ki Avadharna" (The Concept of Substance, Quality, and Mode in Jain Philosophy) by Sagarmal Jain, published by L. D. Indology Ahmedabad in 2011, is a collection of lectures delivered in 2009. The book delves deeply into the fundamental ontological concepts of Jainism, examining the nature of dravya (substance), guna (quality), and paryaya (mode) and their interrelationships.

The book is structured to guide the reader through a comprehensive understanding of Jain metaphysics. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts discussed:

I. The Nature of Existence and Substance (Dravya/Sat):

• The Fourfold Classification of Jain Literature (Anuyogas): The book begins by outlining the four main divisions of Jain canonical literature: Dravyanuyoga (metaphysics/ontology), Ganitanuyoga (mathematics/cosmology), Charanakarananuyoga (conduct/ethics), and Dharmakathanuyoga (narratives/teachings). Dravyanuyoga is identified as the core philosophical section dealing with fundamental reality.
• The Jain View of the Universe: The universe is considered akritrim (uncreated) and shashvat (eternal), without a creator or regulator. Jainism emphasizes parinami nityata (transformational eternality), meaning the universe is eternal in its process of change, not static.
• The Concept of Sat (Being/Existence): The book explores the synonyms used for the fundamental reality, including sat, tattva, paramarth, dravya, swabhav, etc. It analyzes the etymological and philosophical nuances between sat (indicating unchanging existence) and dravya (indicating a changeable existence), ultimately demonstrating their inseparability in Jain thought.
• Anekantavada (Non-One-Sidedness): A central theme is the Jain principle of anekantavada, which posits that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from various perspectives. This principle is applied to the understanding of dravya, guna, and paryaya.

II. The Six Substances (Shad-Dravyas):

• The Five Astikayas: The core of Jain ontology lies in the concept of astikayas (literally "that which has a body/existence"). These are the fundamental, independent realities that constitute the universe. The book details each of the five astikayas:
  • Jiva (Soul): The conscious, sentient principle, characterized by consciousness (upayoga). The existence of the soul is strongly argued for through self-awareness and experience.
  • Pudgala (Matter): The physical, non-conscious substance, characterized by attributes like sound, color, smell, taste, and touch. It is the basis of the material world.
  • Dharma (Principle of Motion): A substance that facilitates motion for souls and matter. It is omnipresent within the universe but not infinite.
  • Adharma (Principle of Rest): A substance that facilitates rest or stationarity for souls and matter. It is also omnipresent within the universe but not infinite.
  • Akasha (Space/Ether): The substance that provides room for all other substances to exist. It is infinite and pervades the entire universe (including the non-universe).
• The Sixteenth Substance (Kal-Dravya): The book discusses the historical development of the concept of time (kal) as a distinct substance. While initially, time was not considered a separate astikaya, it later came to be recognized as a distinct substance (making the total six substances). Time is considered anastikaya (non-corporeal) and is the causal factor for change and transformation in other substances.
• Interrelationships of Substances: The book explores how these six substances, though distinct and independent in their essential nature, interact and cooperate in the worldly state.

III. Qualities (Guna) and Modes (Paryaya):

• The Nature of Guna: Qualities are defined as the essential, inherent attributes of a substance (dravya). They are inseparable from their substance and contribute to its unique identity. Qualities are considered eternal and unchanging, though they manifest through different modes.
• The Nature of Paryaya: Modes represent the continuous changes and transformations that occur in a substance. They are the temporary states or modifications that a substance undergoes. Paryayas are produced and destroyed, but the underlying substance and its qualities remain.
• The Relationship between Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: The book emphasizes the interdependency of these three concepts. Dravya is the substrate, guna are its essential attributes, and paryaya are its successive states. The Jain perspective highlights that while paryayas are transient, they occur within the enduring framework of the dravya and its guna. The concept of anekantavada is crucial here, as it allows for both the change of paryayas and the permanence of dravya and guna to be understood simultaneously.

IV. Key Jain Philosophical Concepts:

• Soul (Jiva/Atma): The book elaborates on the nature of the soul as an independent, conscious substance. It addresses arguments for the soul's existence, its immortality, and its capacity for both suffering and liberation. The concept of the soul's self-luminosity and its presence in all living beings, including micro-organisms and even elements, is explored.
• Classification of Souls: The book delves into the classification of souls based on the number of senses they possess (one-sensed to five-sensed), their states of existence (celestial, human, infernal, animalistic), and their degree of consciousness and ethical development.
• Immortality and Rebirth: The Jain doctrine of the soul's immortality and the cycle of rebirth (samsara) driven by karma is discussed in detail. The importance of rebirth for spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation is highlighted.
• Jain Cosmology: The book touches upon the Jain understanding of the universe, its spatial extent (lokakasha and alokakasha), and the role of dharma, adharma, and akasha in its structure and functioning.
• The Doctrine of Nine/Seven Principles (Navatattva/Saptatattva): The book explains these fundamental principles that guide the path to liberation, encompassing the soul (jiva), non-soul (ajiva), influx of karmas (asrava), bondage (bandha), stoppage of karmas (samvara), shedding of karmas (nirjara), and liberation (moksha). The concepts of merit (punya) and demerit (papa) are also integrated into this framework.
• The Development of Jain Metaphysics: The book traces the historical evolution of these concepts within Jain philosophical tradition, referencing key texts and scholarly debates. It highlights how the concepts of dravya, guna, and paryaya were refined and integrated with other philosophical systems.

In essence, "Jain Darshan Me Dravya Gun Paryaya ki Avadharna" provides a systematic and in-depth exploration of the foundational ontological framework of Jainism. It aims to elucidate the Jain understanding of reality, emphasizing the interconnectedness of substance, its inherent qualities, and its changing modes, all within the overarching principle of anekantavada. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the intricate philosophical underpinnings of Jainism.