Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 02 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 02" by Bhairodan Sethiya, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 02 (Shri Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha, Second Part - Sixth and Seventh Bols)

Author/Compiler: Bhairodan Sethiya

Publisher: Jain Parmarthik Sanstha, Bikaner

Overview: "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 02" is the second volume of a significant collection of Jain doctrinal principles, or "Bols" (statements/tenets), compiled by Bhairodan Sethiya. This particular volume focuses on the Sixth Bol (Bol No. 424-467) and the Seventh Bol (Bol No. 48-563), delving into various fundamental concepts of Jain philosophy and cosmology. The book is published by the Jain Parmarthik Sanstha, Bikaner, highlighting its commitment to promoting Jain knowledge. The compiler, Bhairodan Sethiya, is recognized for his dedication to Jainism, and the book's publication is a testament to the Sethia family's patronage of religious and educational endeavors.

Key Content Areas (Based on the Table of Contents and Textual Content):

The book is structured to present a detailed explanation of numerous Jain concepts, systematically organized into "Bols." The Sixth and Seventh Bols, in particular, cover a wide spectrum of topics:

Sixth Bol (Bols 424-467):

The Six Substances (Dravyas): This section (Bol 424) meticulously explains the six eternal substances of Jainism:
- Dharma Dravya (Principle of Motion)
- Adharma Dravya (Principle of Rest)
- Akasha Dravya (Space)
- Kala Dravya (Time)
- Jiva Dravya (Soul/Living Being)
- Pudgala Dravya (Matter) It details their respective properties (Gunas) and modifications (Paryayas), as well as their similarities (Sadharmya) and differences (Vaidhramya) within the framework of Jain ontology. The concept of "Agurulaghu" as a universal property present in all substances is also explained.
The Eight Aspects (Paksha): It discusses the eight aspects applicable to each substance: Nitya (eternal), Anitya (non-eternal), Eka (one), Anek (many), Sat (real), Asat (unreal), Vaktavya (speakable), and Avaktavya (unspeakable). The text elaborates on the fourfold division (Chaubhangi) of Nitya-Anitya, Eka-Anek, Sat-Asat, and Vaktavya-Avaktavya for each of the six substances.
The Sixfold Classification of Pudgala (Matter): This section (Bol 426) describes the six types of matter: Sukshma Sukshma (atom), Sukshma (subtle), Sukshma Badar (subtle gross), Badar Sukshma (gross subtle), Badar (gross), and Badar Badar (very gross). It details their sensory perceivability.
The Six Types of Upakrama (Initiation/Approach): (Bol 427) This covers six methods of approaching or initiating the understanding of scriptures: Anupurvi (sequential order), Nama (by name), Pramana (by proof/validity), Vaktavyata (sayability), Arthadhikara (subject matter), and Samavatara (classification/inclusion). It also mentions six types based on Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, and Bhava.
The Six Types of Avadhi Knowledge: (Bol 428) This describes the six classifications of Avadhi Jñāna (clairvoyant knowledge), which perceives subtle matter: Anugami (following the soul), Ananugami (not following), Vardhaman (increasing), Hiyaman (decreasing), Pratipati (perishing), and Apratipati (non-perishing).
The Six Types of Arthavagraha (Perception of Meaning): (Bol 429) This details the perception of meaning through the senses and mind, covering the six types related to the five senses and the mind (Manas).
The Six Eras of Avapasarpini and Utsarpini (Time Cycles): (Bol 430 & 431) The text explains the sixfold division of the descending (Avapasarpini) and ascending (Utsarpini) time cycles, characterized by degrees of happiness and suffering, and the gradual decline or rise in human faculties, lifespan, and physical form. This includes descriptions of Sushama Sushama, Sushama, Sushama Dusama, Dusama Sushama, Dusama, and Dusama Dusama.
Other Sixfold Classifications: The book systematically covers numerous other concepts classified into six, including:
- Causes of binding Karmas (Jnānāvaraniya, Darshanāvaraniya, Mohaniya) (Bols 440, 441, 442)
- Types of Gochari (alms-round) (Bol 446)
- Types of Pratilēkhanā (inspection of articles) (Bol 447)
- Types of Apramāda Pratilēkhanā (conscientious inspection) and Pramāda Pratilēkhanā (negligent inspection) (Bols 448, 449)
- Qualities of a leader of a spiritual community (Gana) (Bol 450)
- Duties of an Acharya (spiritual leader) (Bol 451)
- Qualities of a householder (Shravaka) (Bol 452)
- Stages of Right Faith (Samyaktva) (Bol 453)
- Mental attitudes supporting Right Faith (Bhavana) (Bol 454)
- Exceptions (Agara) for upholding Right Faith (Bol 455)
- Types of Pramada (negligence/passions) (Bol 456)
- Causes of Unmada (insanity/delusion) (Bol 457)
- Six unfavorable situations for a worldly (kashaya-filled) soul (Bol 458)
- Types of unwholesome speech (Aprashasta Vachan) (Bol 459)
- Consequences of false accusations (Bol 460)
- Causes of violence (Himsa) (Bol 461)
- Six types of living beings (Jiva Nikaya / Kaya) (Bol 462)
- The "Kulakoṭis" (lineages/types) within the six Jiva Nikayas (Bol 463)
- Relative numbers of beings in the six Kayas (Alpabahutva) (Bol 464)
- Six types of earth (Prithvi) (Bol 465)
- Six types of gross vegetable souls (Badara Vanaspatikaya) (Bol 466)
- Six types of minor creatures (Kshudra Prani) (Bol 467)

Seventh Bol (Bols 48-563):

Sevenfold Classifications: This volume continues with a systematic presentation of concepts in sevens:
- Seven types of Vinaya (discipline/respect) with further subdivisions (Bols 498-505)
- Seven steps for listening to scriptures (Sutra) (Bol 506)
- Seven fruits of contemplation (Chintan) (Bol 507)
- Seven Kulakaras (progenitors) of the current descending era (Bol 508) and their wives (Bol 509). It also lists the Kulakaras of the previous ascending (Bol 512) and future ascending (Bol 511) eras.
- Seven types of punishment (Dandniti) (Bol 510)
- Seven types of Archarya and Upadhyaya (teachers) and their collection-related duties (Sangrahasthan) (Bols 513, 514)
- Seven reasons for leaving one's community (Ganaparakrama) (Bol 515)
- Seven exceptions (Agara) for specific vows like Porisi (partial fast) (Bols 483, 516, 517)
- Seven vows of restraint (Pratima) related to taking vows (Bol 518)
- Seven types of food acceptance (Pindeshana) and water acceptance (Pāneshanā) (Bols 519, 520)
- Seven types of negligent Pratilēkhanā (Bol 521)
- Seven stages of life (Sthavira Kalpa krama) for ascetics (Bol 522)
- Seven places to identify a non-omniscient being (Chhadmastha) (Bol 523) and conversely, seven places to identify an omniscient being (Kevali) (Bol 524)
- Seven things a non-omniscient being cannot perceive (Bol 525)
- Seven types of Nikayas (categories/collections) of souls (Bol 462) and their "Kulakoṭis" (types/sub-categories) (Bol 463)
- Relative numbers of beings in the six Kayas (Alpabahutva) (Bol 464)
- Six types of Pudgala (matter) (Bol 426)
- Six types of Upakrama (Bol 427)
- Six types of Avadhi Jñana (Bol 428)
- Six types of Arthavagraha (Bol 429)
- Six types of Karma binding (Bols 440, 441, 442)
- Six types of Kālpa Sthiti (ascetic conduct rules) (Bol 443)
- Six types of Kalpa Palimanthu (practices that undermine asceticism) (Bol 444)
- Six types of Pratyaneeka (adverse conduct) (Bol 445)
- Six types of Gochari (alms round) (Bol 446)
- Six types of Pratilēkhanā (inspection of articles) (Bol 447)
- Six types of Apramada Pratilēkhanā (Bol 448)
- Six types of Pramada Pratilēkhanā (Bol 449)
- Six qualities for a community leader (Bol 450)
- Six duties of an Acharya (Bol 451)
- Six qualities of a householder (Bol 452)
- Six places of Samyaktva (Right Faith) (Bol 453)
- Six Bhavanas (mental states) of Samyaktva (Bol 454)
- Six Agaras (exceptions) for Samyaktva (Bol 455)
- Six types of Pramada (negligence) (Bol 456)
- Six causes of Unmada (insanity) (Bol 457)
- Six unfavorable situations for the kashaya-filled soul (Bol 458)
- Six types of unwholesome speech (Bol 459)
- Six causes of Himsa (violence) (Bol 461)
- Six types of Jiva Nikaya (Bols 462) and their Kulakoṭis (Bol 463)
- Relative numbers of beings in the six Kayas (Alpabahutva) (Bol 464)
- Six types of Prithvi (earth element) (Bol 465)
- Six types of Badara Vanaspatikaya (gross plant souls) (Bol 466)
- Six types of minor creatures (Kshudra Prani) (Bol 467)
The Six Darshanas (Philosophies): A significant portion of the Seventh Bol (Bols 497 and subsequent) is dedicated to a comparative analysis of six major Indian philosophical systems: Jain, Bauddha (Buddhist), Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, and Mimamsa. The text delves into their founders, core tenets, cosmology, views on soul, God, karma, liberation, and the nature of reality, drawing comparisons and contrasts with Jainism. It provides historical context and philosophical nuances of each school. The text also briefly touches upon the Charvaka (materialist) and Yoga philosophies.
Saptabhangi (Sevenfold Predication) and Nayavada (Theory of Standpoints): The latter part of the Seventh Bol (Bols 563 and 562) explains the core Jain epistemological principles of Saptabhangi and Nayavada. Saptabhangi, or the theory of sevenfold predication, demonstrates how a single object can be described from multiple, seemingly contradictory, viewpoints without violating truth. Nayavada explains how different standpoints (Nayas) lead to valid, though partial, understandings of reality. The text details the seven Nayas (Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rjūsūtra, Shabda, Samabhirūḍha, and Evambhūta) and their classifications.

Purpose and Significance:

Comprehensive Knowledge Dissemination: The "Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha" series aims to systematically compile and explain essential Jain doctrines, making them accessible to a wider audience, especially students and scholars.
Preservation of Jain Philosophy: By detailing concepts like the six Dravyas, time cycles, karmic processes, conduct rules, and philosophical comparisons, the book contributes to the preservation and understanding of Jain philosophical heritage.
Educational Resource: The book serves as a valuable educational resource, breaking down complex philosophical ideas into digestible "Bols" and providing references to Jain scriptures (like Thanaanga Sutra, Uttaradhyayana, Nandi Sutra, etc.).
Promoting Understanding of Other Philosophies: The comparative analysis of other Indian philosophical schools, particularly in the Seventh Bol, helps to contextualize Jain philosophy within the broader Indian intellectual landscape and highlight its unique contributions.
Patronage of Jain Learning: The publication by the Jain Parmarthik Sanstha and the Sethia family underscores their commitment to supporting Jain scholarship and making sacred texts widely available.

Overall Impression:

"Jain Siddhanta Bol Sangraha Part 02" is a scholarly and comprehensive work that systematically breaks down key Jain philosophical and cosmological concepts. It meticulously covers a vast array of topics, providing detailed explanations based on foundational Jain scriptures. The book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deep and structured understanding of Jainism. The inclusion of comparative philosophy in the Seventh Bol adds significant value, offering insights into Jainism's place within the broader Indian philosophical tradition. The text's dedication to clarity, scriptural accuracy, and accessibility makes it a cornerstone for Jain education.