Jain Tattva Kalika - Book Summary

Based on the provided Jain text "Jain Tattva Kalika" by Amarmuni, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Jain Tattva Kalika Author: Amarmuni Publisher: Aatm Gyanpith

This book, "Jain Tattva Kalika" (meaning "Garland of Jain Principles" or "Collection of Jain Truths"), is an authoritative treatise on Jain religion and philosophy. It was originally written by the highly respected Jain scholar and saint, Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, approximately 50 years prior to the publication of this edition. The current edition is a revised and updated presentation by his learned disciple, Shri Amar Muni, made accessible for a wider audience in the modern context.

The text is dedicated to the memory of Bhandari Shri Padamchandji Maharaj, and was published through the inspiration of Navayug Sudharak Shri Padamchandji Maharaj.

Key Aspects and Themes:

Authoritative Foundation: The book is based on the original, comprehensive work of Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, which meticulously explains Jainism, its ethics, philosophy, and various doctrines with proper evidence. It is considered beneficial not only for Jains but also for scholars and seekers of knowledge from all backgrounds.
Scope and Purpose: The author, Amar Muni, undertook the re-editing of this work with the intention of making the profound and extensive knowledge contained within it accessible to everyone. The original author's aim was to present Jain principles in a way that is free from sectarian contradictions and clearly elucidates the truths of Jainism, even to non-Jains.
Structure and Content: The book is divided into nine "Kalikas" (chapters or sections), each dealing with a specific aspect of Jainism. The summary outlines the following Kalikas:
- Kalika 1: Dev Swaroop (Nature of the Divine): This section discusses the nature of the Divine, defining 'Deva' not in terms of celestial beings but as beings who have attained spiritual excellence through their inner development. It focuses on the enlightened beings, the Arhats (who have conquered internal enemies like passion, anger, pride, deceit, and greed) and the Siddhas (liberated souls). It details the eighteen virtues of an Arhat, their thirty-five speech-related perfections (vachana-atishayas), thirty-four kinds of freedom from suffering (apaya-apagama-atishayas), the eight auspicious symbols (ashta-maha-pratirya), and the twenty causes or stages leading to Tirthankarhood. It also touches upon the concept of Tirthankara, the founder of Jain religious orders, differentiating them from the concept of divine incarnation and explaining their unique qualities and the significance of their Panch Kalyanaka (five auspicious life events).
- Kalika 2: Guru Swaroop (Nature of the Spiritual Guide): This section elaborates on the role and qualities of a true Guru in Jainism. It emphasizes that the Guru is the spiritual guide who leads the disciple towards the divine state of liberation. It details the characteristics of an Acharya (the highest spiritual leader), Upadhyaya (a teacher of scriptures), and Sadhu (monk/ascetic). It highlights the importance of the five great vows (Mahavratas), the fivefold conduct (panch-achar), and the twelvefold austerities (tapas). The chapter details the thirty-six qualities of an Acharya and twenty-five qualities of an Upadhyaya, along with the thirty-seven virtues of a Sadhu.
- Kalika 3: Dharma Swaroop (Nature of Dharma/Righteousness): This section explores the multifaceted nature of Dharma. It defines Dharma as that which uphpires the soul and leads it towards liberation. It clarifies the difference between worldly or conventional Dharma and the pure, essential Dharma, emphasizing that true Dharma is based on the teachings of omniscient beings (Jinavatara). It discusses the ten types of Dharma (Gram Dharma, Nagar Dharma, Rashtra Dharma, Pashanda Dharma, Kul Dharma, Gan Dharma, Sangha Dharma, Shrut Dharma, Charitra Dharma, and Astikaya Dharma), categorizing them as worldly (Laukik) and transcendental (Lokottar). It stresses that worldly Dharma serves as the foundation for the transcendental Dharma, which is essential for spiritual progress.
- Kalika 4: Shrut Dharma Swaroop (Nature of Scriptural Knowledge): This Kalika focuses on Shrut Dharma, which refers to right knowledge obtained through scriptures. It explains the concept of Samyak Gyan (right knowledge) and its various types, including Mati Gyan (sensory and mental knowledge), Shrut Gyan (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi Gyan (clairvoyance), Manahparyav Gyan (telepathy), and Keval Gyan (omniscience). It delves into the structure and importance of the Jain Agamas (scriptures) and the principles of scriptural study.
- Kalika 5: Samyagdarshan Swaroop (Nature of Right Faith): This section explains Samyagdarshan, the foundation of the Jain path, which is right faith or right perception. It defines the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) as the primary elements. It then elaborates on the nine tattvas (principles): Jiva (Soul), Ajiva (Non-soul), Punya (Merit), Pap (Demerit), Asrava (Inflow of karmas), Samvara (Stoppage of karmas), Nirjara (Shedding of karmas), Bandha (Bondage of karmas), and Moksha (Liberation). It emphasizes that true faith lies in understanding these principles and realizing the nature of the soul, its bondage, and the path to liberation. It also details the eight essential qualities that strengthen Samyagdarshan.
- Kalika 6: Samyagdarshan Ke Sandarbh Mein: Atma-vaad, Loka-vaad, Karma-vaad, Kriya-vaad (Metaphysical Concepts in Relation to Right Faith): This Kalika explores foundational metaphysical concepts critical to understanding Jain philosophy. It discusses:
  - Atma-vaad (Selfhood/Soul): The existence and nature of the soul, differentiating it from the body and other substances, and providing arguments for its independent existence.
  - Loka-vaad (The Universe): The Jain cosmology, describing the structure of the universe (Loka) and the realms within it.
  - Karma-vaad (Doctrine of Karma): Explains karma as the fundamental cause of worldly existence and the diversity of experiences, detailing its nature, types, bondage, and functioning.
  - Kriya-vaad (Doctrine of Action/Effort): Emphasizes the role of one's own actions and efforts in shaping one's destiny, in contrast to fatalism or divine intervention. It asserts that liberation is achieved through one's own purified actions.
- Kalika 7: Astikaya Dharma Swaroop (Nature of Astikaya Dharma): This section delves into the concept of Astikaya, which refers to substances that have 'pradeshas' (extensions or parts) and 'kaya' (a collective existence). It discusses the six fundamental substances (dravyas) of Jainism: Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), Kaal (time), Pudgal (matter), and Jiva (soul). It explains their nature, characteristics, and functions in the universe. It highlights how understanding these substances is crucial for comprehending the Jain worldview.
- Kalika 8: Grihastha Dharma Swaroop (Nature of Householder's Dharma): This Kalika focuses on the principles and practices of Jain householders. It outlines the vows (anuvratas), supplementary vows (gunavratas), and training vows (shikshavratas) that guide lay followers in their spiritual and ethical conduct. It emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct, ethical living, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge within the framework of family and social responsibilities.
- Kalika 9: Praman-Nay Swaroop (Nature of Valid Knowledge and Standpoints): This section discusses the Jain epistemology, explaining the concepts of Pramana (valid means of knowledge) and Nay (standpoints or partial truths). It elaborates on different types of knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manahparyav, and Keval Gyan) and the Nayavada (theory of standpoints), particularly the concept of Anekanta-vaad (non-absolutism or manifoldness of reality), which is a cornerstone of Jain logic and philosophy.
Revival and Accessibility: The book represents a significant effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj. The new edition, enriched with illustrations, original texts, and English translations, aims to make this vital Jain literature accessible and relevant to contemporary readers, fostering a deeper understanding of Jainism.
Spiritual Guidance: The text aims to serve as a guide for all who seek genuine happiness, liberation from suffering, and spiritual enlightenment. It provides a foundational understanding of Jain principles, encouraging readers to pursue a path of ethical living, self-discipline, and spiritual realization.

In essence, "Jain Tattva Kalika" is a comprehensive guide to the core tenets of Jainism, presented in a structured and accessible manner, offering profound philosophical insights and practical guidance for spiritual growth.