Jain Padarth Vigyan Me Pudgal - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Padarth Vigyan mein Pudgal" by Mohanlal Banthia:

Book Title: Jain Padarth Vigyan me Pudgal (Pudgal in Jain Philosophy of Substances) Author: Mohanlal Banthia Publisher: Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha Subject: This book provides a detailed exposition of the Jain philosophical concept of Pudgal, one of the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) in Jainism. It aims to explain Pudgal from both a philosophical and a comparative scientific perspective.

Core Concepts and Summary:

The book delves into the nature, characteristics, classifications, and significance of Pudgal within the Jain metaphysical framework. Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented:

1. The Six Substances (Shat Dravya):

Jainism posits the existence of six eternal, fundamental substances that constitute the universe: Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgal, Jiva, and Kala.
These substances are characterized by their inherent nature (svabhava) and undergo modifications (paryaya) but are never destroyed or created in their fundamental essence.
Of these, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgal, and Jiva are termed Astikayas (possessing extension or parts), while Kala is not an Astikaya because its unit, Samaya, is indivisible and does not have extension in the same way.

2. Pudgal - The Substance of Matter:

Pudgal is identified as the substance of matter, akin to the "matter" or "physical substance" in modern science.
The name "Pudgal" is derived from the Sanskrit roots purana (to combine/unite) and galana (to separate/disintegrate). This highlights its fundamental characteristic of coming together to form compounds (Skandhas) and then breaking apart.
Pudgal is described as having qualities like color (Varna), taste (Rasa), smell (Gandha), and touch (Sparsha). Due to these sensory qualities, it is considered Rupi (having form) and Murta (tangible).

3. Key Characteristics of Pudgal: The book systematically analyzes the characteristics of Pudgal, often referencing Jain scriptures and philosophical treatises:

It is a Substance (Dravya): It possesses inherent qualities (guna) and modifications (paryaya). Qualities are permanent and inseparable, while modifications are temporary and arise from the substance's inherent potential.
It is Eternal and Immutable (Nitya and Avashthit): In its fundamental form, Pudgal is eternal and unchanging. Its essence is never destroyed, though its modifications change.
It is Non-Sentient (Ajiva): Unlike Jiva (soul), Pudgal lacks consciousness, knowledge, or perception.
It Exists (Asti): It is a real entity, not an illusion or mere imagination.
It is Possessive of a Body/Extension (Kayavala): Being an Astikaya, it has extension and occupies space through its parts (pradesha).
It is Tangible/Formed (Rupi and Murta): As mentioned, it possesses color, taste, smell, and touch.
It is Active (Kriyavan): Pudgal undergoes modifications and activities. The text distinguishes between artha-paryaya (general modifications common to all substances) and vyanjana-paryaya (specific modifications unique to Jiva and Pudgal, like movement, sound, etc.).
It is Capable of Union and Separation (Galana-Milanakari): This is its defining characteristic, forming Skandhas and breaking down into Paramanus.
It is Transformative (Parinami): It undergoes changes in its states and forms.
It is Infinite (Ananta): Fundamentally, Pudgal exists infinitely.
It is Pervasive within the Universe (Loka Pramana): It is present throughout the universe, but unlike Akasha, it is not infinitely expansive in all directions.
It is Graspable by the Soul (Jiva-Grahya): Jiva, particularly embodied souls, interacts with and "grasps" Pudgal, which is the basis for karma and the cycle of rebirth.

4. The Ultimate Unit: Paramanu:

The subtlest, indivisible, and eternal unit of Pudgal is the Paramanu.
Paramanus combine through various laws of union to form Skandhas (aggregates or compounds).
The text emphasizes that Paramanus themselves are eternal and indestructible.

5. Classifications and Types of Pudgal: The book details various ways Pudgal is classified:

Paramanu and Skandha: The two primary forms.
Subtle (Sukshma) and Gross (Badar): Based on perceptibility by senses, spatial occupation, or other qualities.
Graspable (Grahya) and Ungraspable (Agrahya): Based on whether they can be interacted with by the soul.
Classifications based on transformation: Prayoga Parinatam (modified by soul), Mishra Parinatam (partially modified by soul and self-modified), and Visrusa Parinatam (self-modified).
More complex classifications: The text lists classifications based on Skandha, Desha, Pradesha, and Paramanu; and even lists 6, 23, and 530 types of Pudgal based on different criteria, as well as infinite divisions based on jati (type), bhava (quality), and paryaya (modification).

6. Pudgal's Role in the Cycle of Existence (Samsara):

Pudgal is intrinsically linked to the soul's suffering and liberation.
Karmic Pudgal (karmic particles) attach to the soul due to its passions (kashayas) like attachment and aversion.
This bondage of Pudgal to the soul causes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Liberation (Moksha) is achieved when the soul is freed from all karmic Pudgal.

7. Comparative and Scientific Perspective:

The author makes efforts to connect Jain concepts of Pudgal with modern scientific understanding of matter.
Examples like mind, sound, heat, light, electricity, and rays are presented as forms of Pudgal, some of which are recognized by modern science.
The book discusses concepts like the fundamental nature of atoms and their properties, drawing parallels where possible.

8. Key Definitions and Sutras:

The book includes sections defining Pudgal through scriptural sutras and interpretations.
It highlights that Pudgal is the cause of the universe's complexity and the soul's bondage.

Overall Significance: "Jain Padarth Vigyan mein Pudgal" serves as an introductory yet detailed exploration of a crucial concept in Jain philosophy. It aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of Pudgal's nature, its scientific parallels, and its profound impact on the soul's journey through the cycle of existence. The author's methodical approach, referencing numerous Jain texts, makes it a valuable resource for studying Jain ontology.