Jain Tattva Mimansa - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Tattva Mimansa" by Fulchandra Jain Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Tattva Mimansa Author: Fulchandra Jain Shastri Publisher: Ashok Prakashan Mandir, Varanasi

Overall Theme: The book, "Jain Tattva Mimansa," is a deep exploration and elucidation of fundamental Jain philosophical concepts, particularly focusing on the intricate relationship between Upaadaan (the inherent cause/material) and Nimitta (the external instrumental cause). It aims to clarify these concepts from the perspective of Jain Agamas (scriptures) and resolve apparent contradictions or misunderstandings that arise from different interpretations or levels of discourse. The author emphasizes the paramount importance of understanding these principles for spiritual progress and liberation (Moksha).

Key Concepts and Arguments:

Distinction between Nischaya (True/Ultimate) and Vyavahara (Conventional/Apparent): A central theme is the Jain philosophical approach of viewing reality from two perspectives: Nischaya Naya (the ultimate reality, focusing on the inherent nature of a substance) and Vyavahara Naya (the conventional reality, focusing on practical, worldly interactions and relationships). The book delves into how Upaadaan and Nimitta are understood through these two lenses.
Upaadaan (Inherent Cause) as the Primary Driver: The author strongly asserts that the true cause of any phenomenon lies in the Upaadaan – the substance itself and its inherent capabilities. The Upaadaan is what undergoes transformation. Without the Upaadaan's inherent potential and readiness, no external factor can cause the effect.
Nimitta (Instrumental Cause) as Secondary and Dependent: External factors (Nimitta) are presented as instrumental or conducive aids that function in relation to the Upaadaan. They do not independently cause the effect but rather facilitate or are present when the Upaadaan undergoes its natural transformation. The book critiques the idea that external causes are the sole or primary drivers of events, especially in the spiritual context.
Clarification of "Cause" in Jainism: The text meticulously explains that in Jainism, the term "cause" is not an absolute one. There's a crucial distinction between the inherent cause (Upaadaan) and the instrumental cause (Nimitta). The Upaadaan is the substance that transforms, while the Nimitta is an external factor that is present during the transformation but doesn't transform the substance itself.
Critique of Determinism/Fatalism: The author seems to address and refute deterministic views that might arise from emphasizing external causes. By highlighting the primacy of Upaadaan and the self-generating nature of substances according to their own inherent capacities, the book upholds the principle of Purushartha (self-effort) within the framework of destiny (Niyati). The Upaadaan is the inherent capacity, and the self-effort is the actualization of that capacity, facilitated by appropriate (Nimitta) conditions.
Resolving Apparent Contradictions in Scriptures: The book aims to reconcile statements in Jain scriptures that might seem contradictory regarding causality, especially when dealing with external influences. It argues that these are often expressions from the Vyavahara Naya perspective, which needs to be understood in relation to the Nischaya Naya.
Revisions in the Second Edition: The "Atma Nivedan" (Author's Note) for the second edition highlights significant changes and refinements made from the first edition. These include:
- "Bahya Sadhan Mimansa" replacing "Nimitta Ki Sweekriti" for Chapter 3, to emphasize the concept of external aids rather than just acceptance of an external cause.
- "Nishchaya Upaadaan Mimansa" replacing "Upaadaan aur Nimitta Mimansa" for Chapter 4, to specifically focus on the inherent cause.
- The author clarifies the nuanced Jain view on Nimitta, stating that while external factors are acknowledged as having a relationship (Avinābhāv Sambandh), they are not the doer or motivator of another's action. This relationship is understood in the context of what points to an effect or is a subject of knowledge.
- The text underscores that external causes are accepted based on worldly conventions and to indicate a connected relationship, but they are not to be considered the actual agents of transformation, which resides within the substance itself (Upaadaan).
The Role of Nayas (Viewpoints): The book implicitly or explicitly discusses how different Nayas (like Naigama, Sangraha, etc.) are employed to understand complex philosophical points, particularly in reconciling the seemingly contradictory statements about causality and agency.
The Goal of Spiritual Practice: The ultimate aim of understanding these principles is to progress on the path to Moksha. By correctly grasping the nature of Upaadaan and Nimitta, one can detach from external dependencies and focus on self-effort and spiritual development, which is the true path to liberation.
Discourse on Different Schools of Thought: The author engages with and differentiates Jain philosophy from other Indian philosophical systems, particularly in its understanding of cause and effect.
Critique of Misinterpretations: The "Atma Nivedan" also addresses criticisms or differing interpretations of Jain philosophy, particularly from the first edition, and clarifies the author's stance based on scriptural authority and logical reasoning. There's a mention of a conference held to discuss some of these points, indicating the book's engagement with contemporary scholarly debates within Jainism.

Structure of the Book (as indicated in the Table of Contents): The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of causality and related concepts:

Introduction (Vishay Pravesh)
Nature of Substance (Vastu Swabhav Mimansa)
External Cause Consideration (Bahya Karan Mimansa)
True Upaadaan Consideration (Nishchaya Upaadaan Mimansa)
Both as Causes (Ubhay Nimitta Mimansa)
Doer and Done (Karta-Karma Mimansa)
Six Factors (Shatkarak Mimansa)
Orderly Evolved Potencies (Kram Niyamit Paryay Mimansa)
Nature of Right Destiny/Causality (Samyak Niyati Swaroop Mimansa)
Nischaya-Vyavahara Discussion (Nishchaya-Vyavahara Mimansa)
Anekaanta and Syadvada Discussion (Anekanta-Syadvada Mimansa)
Nature of Omniscience (Kevalgyana Swabhav Mimansa)
Synthesis of Upaadaan and Nimitta (Upaadaan-Nimitta Samvad)

In essence, "Jain Tattva Mimansa" is a scholarly work that aims to provide a clear and rigorous understanding of core Jain philosophical principles, particularly focusing on the doctrine of causality, by meticulously dissecting the roles of inherent potential (Upaadaan) and external influences (Nimitta) through the lens of Nischaya and Vyavahara Nayas. The author seeks to guide the reader towards the self-reliant path of spiritual development by emphasizing the Upaadaan as the true source of action and consequence.