Jain Tattva Mimansa - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary outlines the key aspects of the Jain text "Jain Tattva Mimansa" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Tattva Mimansa (Jain Metaphysics) Author: Dr. Sagarmal Jain Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith, Shajapur (M.P.) Publication Year: 2014-15

Overview:

"Jain Tattva Mimansa" is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy, focusing on its metaphysical underpinnings. Dr. Sagarmal Jain, a distinguished scholar in Jain studies, has meticulously compiled this work. The book aims to present a clear, simple, and flowing exposition of Jain metaphysical concepts, tracing their historical development and unique characteristics.

Core Concepts and Structure:

The book emphasizes that any philosophy has three fundamental aspects: epistemology (Gyan Mimansa), metaphysics (Tattva Mimansa), and ethics/practice (Achara Mimansa). Metaphysics is presented as the cornerstone, with epistemology and ethics deriving from it. The author highlights that Jain metaphysics is designed to be practical and conducive to ethical living and spiritual practice.

The book delves into the following central themes:

The Nature of Reality (Sat ka Swarup): The foundational inquiry into what constitutes existence.
The Concept of Panchastikaya (Five Existential Entities): This is identified as a unique and foundational concept in Jainism, referring to the five fundamental categories that make up the universe:
- Jiva (Soul): The conscious entity.
- Pudgala (Matter): The physical substance.
- Dharma (Principle of Motion): The medium that facilitates movement.
- Adharma (Principle of Rest): The medium that facilitates rest.
- Akasha (Space): The medium that provides accommodation. The book traces the origins of the Panchastikaya concept, suggesting its presence as early as the time of Lord Parshvanath and its clear articulation in the Bhagavati Sutra.
The Concept of Shatdravya (Six Substances): This concept evolved from Panchastikaya with the inclusion of Kala (Time) as a separate substance. The book discusses the historical debate regarding Time's status as an independent substance and its eventual acceptance by both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions.
- Categorization of Substances: The six substances are further classified based on characteristics like:
  - Astikaya (Extended Substances): Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha.
  - Anastikaya (Non-Extended Substance): Kala.
  - Chetana (Conscious) vs. Achetan (Inanimate): Jiva is conscious; the others are inanimate.
  - Murt (Corporeal) vs. Amurt (Incorporeal): Pudgala is corporeal; the others are incorporeal. The book notes the influence of Nyaya-Vaisheshika philosophy on the development of the Shatdravya concept, particularly in its systematic categorization.
The Concept of Navatattva (Nine Fundamentals): This is presented as another ancient and original Jain concept. The book traces its roots to early Jain Agamas like Acharaanga and Sutrakritanga, which contain seeds of ideas related to influx (asrava), stoppage (samvara), merit (punya), demerit (papa), bondage (bandha), liberation (moksha), etc.
- The text explains how the Navatattva concept potentially evolved, with some Acharyas classifying Punya and Papa under Asrava, leading to a Saptatattva (Seven Fundamentals) framework. The book states its intention to discuss these elements independently.
The Concept of Shatjivanikaya (Six Classes of Living Beings): This concept is presented as a division of the Jiva substance. The six classes are:
- Prithvikaya (Earth-bodied beings)
- Apkaya (Water-bodied beings)
- Tejaskaya (Fire-bodied beings)
- Vayukaya (Air-bodied beings)
- Vanaspati-kaya (Plant-bodied beings)
- Traskaya (Mobile beings) The book emphasizes the Jain view that earth, water, fire, and air are also living beings (not just matter), which informs their strict adherence to Ahimsa (non-violence). It discusses the historical evolution of the classification of Jivas, particularly the distinction between sthavara (immobile) and trasa (mobile) beings, and the philosophical debates surrounding the classification of elements like fire and air.
The Nature of "Sat" (Existence/Being) and its Relation to "Dravya" (Substance): The book delves into the philosophical nuances of "Sat," often equated with "Dravya" in Jainism. It explores how "Sat" signifies a general existence, while "Dravya" denotes specific substances with their unique qualities and transformations. The author highlights the Jain emphasis on anekantavada (non-absolutism), stating that "Sat" is both one and many, permanent and transient.
Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya (Substance, Quality, and Mode): The text elaborates on the interrelationship between these fundamental concepts. Dravya is the fundamental reality, possessing Gunas (eternal qualities) and undergoing Paryayas (transient modes or states). The book discusses various definitions of Dravya, acknowledging the influence of other Indian philosophical schools while asserting the originality of the Jain perspective, particularly its emphasis on the simultaneous existence of permanence and change.
The Nature of Soul (Jiva/Atma) and its Distinction from Other Philosophies: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the Jain concept of the soul, its existence, nature, and its unique position relative to other philosophical schools like Buddhism (Anatavada) and Vedanta (Brahman).
- Soul's Existence: The book presents arguments for the soul's existence, including its inherent nature as the subject of consciousness, thought, and experience.
- Soul's Attributes: It describes the soul as conscious, incorporeal, and existing as infinite, distinct individual substances (not a single universal soul).
- Soul and Body Relationship: The soul's connection with the body and its capacity for contraction and expansion (swadeha-parimana) are discussed.
- Comparison with Other Soul Theories: The author critically analyzes various theories of the soul prevalent during Lord Mahavir's time (eternal vs. transient, active vs. inactive, etc.) and presents the Jain synthesis as the most comprehensive.
Asrava, Bandha, Punya, Papa, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha (The Seven Tattvas/Fundamentals): The book details these crucial concepts, which explain the cycle of birth, death, and liberation.
- Asrava (Influx): The process by which karmic matter enters the soul due to activities of mind, speech, and body, influenced by passions.
- Bandha (Bondage): The actual binding of karmic matter to the soul, leading to bondage. The book traces the causes of bandha to passions (kashayas), ignorance (mithyatva), and attachment (raga), and contrasts them with the Buddhist understanding of bondage.
- Punya and Papa (Merit and Demerit): These are explained as the results of virtuous and non-virtuous actions, respectively, which contribute to karmic influx.
- Samvara (Stoppage of Influx): The means to prevent new karmic matter from entering the soul, achieved through restraint of senses, mind, speech, and body, and disciplined conduct.
- Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): The process of purifying the soul by eradicating existing karmic matter, achieved through austerities (tapas) and detachment. The book distinguishes between savipak (natural decay of karma) and avipak (forced shedding through penance).
- Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal, achieved when all karmic matter is eradicated, leading to the soul's pure, unadulterated state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power.
Relationship with Modern Science: A recurring theme is the alignment of many ancient Jain philosophical concepts with modern scientific discoveries. The author points out how Jain ideas about atoms, matter, light, darkness, sound, and even the existence of other life forms resonate with contemporary scientific understanding, suggesting the profound foresight of the Jain Tirthankaras. The book critically examines astronomical and geographical descriptions in Jain texts in light of modern science, suggesting that while some details may differ, the core principles of a vast, multifaceted universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth are not necessarily contradicted.

Key Features:

Historical Development: The author meticulously traces the historical evolution of Jain philosophical concepts, drawing upon various ancient Jain texts and scholarly interpretations.
Comparative Analysis: Where relevant, the book draws comparisons with other Indian philosophical traditions (Buddhism, Vedanta, Nyaya-Vaisheshika) to highlight the unique contributions of Jainism.
Clarity and Simplicity: The language is praised for its fluidity, simplicity, and accessibility to a general audience.
Emphasis on Practice: The text consistently links metaphysical understanding to practical ethical conduct and spiritual discipline, underscoring the Jain emphasis on action and realization.

Conclusion:

"Jain Tattva Mimansa" stands as a significant contribution to the study of Jain philosophy. Dr. Sagarmal Jain's extensive research and clear presentation make complex metaphysical concepts accessible, offering a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the depth and practicality of Jain thought. The book not only illuminates the core tenets of Jain metaphysics but also demonstrates their enduring relevance and surprising congruence with modern scientific understanding.