Jain Tattva Mimansa Aur Aachar Mimansa - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Tattva Mimansa Aur Aachar Mimansa" by Dr. Samani Rujupragyashreeji MS, published by Jain Vishvabharati Vidyalay.

The book is divided into five units, with the first two focusing on Jain Tattva Mimansa (Metaphysics/Ontology) and the remaining three on Jain Achar Mimansa (Ethics/Conduct).

Unit 1: Tattva Mimansa (Metaphysics/Ontology)

This unit delves into the fundamental principles of Jain metaphysics. It covers:

The Nature of Sat (Existence): Explains that in Jain philosophy, "Sat" (existence), "dravya" (substance), "artha" (meaning), and "padartha" (thing) are often used interchangeably. It defines "Sat" as that which possesses the characteristics of origination (utpāda), decay (vyaya), and permanence (dhrauvya). This concept is central to Jain philosophy's understanding of reality as dynamic yet enduring. It contrasts this view with other Indian philosophies that posit either absolute permanence or absolute impermanence.
Dravya, Guna, and Paryaya: Explains the core Jain concepts of:
- Dravya (Substance): The underlying reality that possesses qualities and undergoes changes.
- Guna (Quality): Enduring attributes inherent to the substance, which do not change as the substance undergoes modifications.
- Paryaya (Modification/State): The successive states or modifications of a substance, which are transient. The book elaborates on the interrelationship and inseparable nature of these three.
Six Dravyas (Sad Dravya): Introduces the six fundamental substances that constitute the Jain universe:
1. Dharmastikaya: The principle of motion, facilitating movement.
2. Adharmastikaya: The principle of rest, facilitating stillness.
3. Akashastikaya: Space, providing room for all substances.
4. Kal (Time): The principle that enables change and duration.
5. Pudgalastikaya: Matter, characterized by touch, taste, smell, and color.
6. Jivastikaya: Soul/Consciousness, characterized by sentience. It details the characteristics and pervasiveness of each dravya within the cosmological framework.
Paramanu (Atom): Explains the atom as the smallest, indivisible, and fundamental unit of Pudgala (matter) in Jainism. It discusses its properties and its role in the formation of matter.
Lokavada (Cosmology): Describes the structure of the Jain universe (Loka) and the non-universe (Aloka). It explains the division of the Loka into three parts: Urdhva Loka (upper world), Madhya Loka (middle world), and Adho Loka (lower world). It also discusses the divisors of the Loka (Dharmastikaya and Adharmastikaya) and the concept of self-reliance of Akashastikaya.

Unit 2: Tattva Mimansa (Metaphysics/Ontology) - Continued

This unit continues the exploration of Jain metaphysics, focusing on the soul:

The Nature of the Soul (Atma/Jiva): Defines the soul (Jiva) as a sentient substance, the essence of consciousness, knowledge, and perception. It highlights its eternal, unchanging (in its essential nature), and distinct nature from matter.
Types of Souls: Discusses the classification of souls based on various criteria:
- By Consciousness Manifestation: Sthavara (immobile souls, e.g., earth, water, fire, air, plants) and Trasa (mobile souls, e.g., beings with two to five senses).
- By Senses: Ekendriya (one-sensed), Dviendriya (two-sensed), Trindriya (three-sensed), Chaturindriya (four-sensed), and Panchindriya (five-sensed) souls.
- By Destiny (Gati): Naraka Gati (hellish beings), Tiryancha Gati (animal/non-human beings), Manushya Gati (human beings), and Deva Gati (celestial beings).
- By Spiritual Development: Bahiratma (external soul, engrossed in worldly affairs), Antaratma (internal soul, aspiring for spiritual progress), and Paramatma (supreme soul, liberated).
Proof of the Soul's Existence: Presents arguments and proofs for the soul's existence, drawing from self-awareness, perception of qualities (like knowledge), inference, and scriptural testimony (Agama). It emphasizes that the soul is an eternal, indestructible entity, distinct from the body.
The Soul's Magnitude (Pariman): Discusses the size of the soul, explaining the Jain view that the soul is of "body-sized" (deha-pariman) in its worldly state, capable of expanding or contracting its spiritual substance (pradeshas) to fill the body it inhabits. This is contrasted with the views of other philosophies that consider the soul to be atomic or all-pervading.
Soul-Body Relationship: Explains the profound and eternal relationship between the soul and the body, mediated by karma. It clarifies that while the soul is essentially distinct from the body, karmic matter adheres to it, creating the experience of worldly existence.
Rebirth (Punarjanma): Details the Jain concept of rebirth, explaining it as the soul's transmigration from one body to another based on its accumulated karma. It highlights the continuity of consciousness and the influence of past actions on future lives. It addresses common questions about the mechanism of rebirth and the retention of memories or talents from past lives.

Unit 3: Achar Mimansa (Ethics/Conduct)

This unit shifts focus to the practical aspects of Jainism, outlining the path to liberation through right conduct:

Basis and Nature of Jain Ethics: Explains that Jain ethics is rooted in the understanding of the soul and its journey through the cycle of birth and death, driven by karma. The ultimate aim of Jain ethics is liberation (Moksha) from karmic bondage, achieved through the purification of the soul.
Nine Tattvas (Nav Tattva): Introduces the nine fundamental principles that guide the Jain path to liberation:
1. Jiva (Soul): The sentient being.
2. Ajiva (Non-soul): All non-sentient substances.
3. Bandha (Bondage): The connection of the soul with karmic matter.
4. Punya (Merit): Karmas arising from virtuous actions.
5. Papa (Demerit): Karmas arising from sinful actions.
6. Asrava (Influx): The inflow of karmas into the soul due to passions and activities.
7. Samvara (Stoppage): The cessation of karma influx through self-control and adherence to vows.
8. Nirjara (Ablation): The shedding of accumulated karma through penance and austerities.
9. Moksha (Liberation): The state of complete freedom from karmic bondage and the attainment of the soul's pure, omniscient nature. It explains how these tattvas are categorized as 'Hea' (to be abandoned), 'Geya' (to be known), and 'Upadeya' (to be adopted).
Ratnatraya (Three Jewels): Elaborates on the three essential components for liberation:
1. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Correct perception and unwavering faith in the Jain principles and tattvas.
2. Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Accurate and direct knowledge of reality, free from doubt and misconception.
3. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Ethical behavior and the practice of vows and austerities. It emphasizes that these three must be practiced in conjunction for spiritual progress.
Gunasthana (Stages of Spiritual Progress): Details the fourteen stages of spiritual development that a soul progresses through on its journey to liberation. Each stage represents a progressive purification of the soul, characterized by the weakening or elimination of karmic obstructions.
Shad-Aavashyak (Six Essentials): Outlines the six daily obligatory practices for Jain monks and laypeople for spiritual purification and self-discipline: Samayika (equanimity), Chaturvimsati-stava (praise of the 24 Tirthankaras), Vandana (veneration of gurus), Pratikramana (confession and atonement of sins), Kayotsarga (abandonment of body-consciousness), and Pratyakhyana (renunciation).
Ten Dharma (Ten Virtues): Explains the ten cardinal virtues that form the ethical foundation of Jainism: Kshama (forgiveness), Mukti (contentment/non-possessiveness), Arjava (honesty/straightforwardness), Maradava (humility/gentleness), Laghava (lightness/simplicity), Satya (truthfulness), Samyama (restraint/control), Tapa (austerity), Tyaga (renunciation), and Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity).

Unit 4: Achar Mimansa (Ethics/Conduct) - Continued

This unit elaborates on the practical application of Jain ethics, differentiating between monastic and lay practices:

Shramanacharya (Monastic Conduct): Describes the rigorous path of Jain monks, characterized by the observance of Mahavratas (Great Vows) – complete non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. It details the practices of the five Samitis (careful conduct in walking, speech, eating, handling objects, and excretion) and three Guptis (control of mind, speech, and body).
Shravakacharya (Lay Conduct): Outlines the ethical code for Jain householders, known as Shravakas. This involves the observance of Anuvratas (Minor Vows) – partial adherence to the Mahavratas – such as abstaining from significant violence, untruths, stealing, and limiting desires.
Eleven Pratimas (Stages for Lay Disciples): Details the eleven progressive stages of spiritual commitment and practice undertaken by lay disciples to gradually move towards a more ascetic lifestyle. These stages involve increasing levels of vow observance and renunciation.
Jain Lifestyle: Presents a modern, practical lifestyle framework for Jain householders, formulated by Acharya Tulsi, emphasizing nine principles: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Non-absolutism (Anekanta), Non-violence (Ahimsa), Monastic Culture (Shraman Sanskriti), Limitation of Desires (Ichha Pariman), Right Livelihood (Samyak Aajivika), Right Sanskaras (Ethical Upbringing), Purity of Diet and Abstinence from Addictions, and Fellow-practitioner Welfare (Sadharmik Vatsalya).
Parigraha Pariman Vrata (Vow of Limited Possessions): Further elaborates on the Jain principle of non-possessiveness, explaining it as not just the avoidance of material accumulation but also the detachment from desires and attachments. It details the external (wealth, property, family, body) and internal (kashayas like anger, pride, deceit, greed) forms of possessiveness and the vows taken by lay disciples to limit them.
Sanlekhana and Santhara: Explains the concept of consciously and peacefully embracing death through fasting and renunciation of worldly attachments, known as Sanlekhana (emaciation of body and passions) and Santhara (fasting unto death). It clarifies that this is not suicide but a dignified and conscious departure from life after fulfilling one's worldly duties and spiritual practices, often undertaken in old age or terminal illness. It distinguishes between the preparation (Sanlekhana) and the final act (Santhara) and details its types and significance for attaining a peaceful end and a favorable rebirth.

Unit 5: Achar Mimansa (Ethics/Conduct) - Continued

This unit focuses on the paramount principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and its practical application:

The Nature of Ahimsa (Non-violence): Defines Ahimsa as the cornerstone of Jain ethics, encompassing not just the absence of physical violence but also mental and verbal non-harming. It elaborates on the subtle nature of violence (Himsa) as stemming from passions (Kashayas) and the mind, and the concept of Ahimsa as the absence of such passions and the cultivation of positive qualities like compassion, friendliness, and equanimity.
Cruelty to Animals vs. Self-Identification (Aupamyata): Discusses the Jain perspective on the ethical treatment of animals, advocating for Ahimsa not just towards humans but also towards all sentient beings. It highlights the concept of self-identification (Aupamyata) with all creatures, recognizing the soul's presence in all living beings, irrespective of their form. It condemns the cruelty inflicted upon animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and experimentation.
Ahimsa Training: Presents a framework for practicing Ahimsa through the transformation of heart, perspective, lifestyle, and livelihood. It emphasizes cultivating positive emotions, adopting a non-judgmental and compassionate worldview, living a simple and restrained life, and choosing professions that minimize harm.
Anuvrata Movement: Explains the historical context and revival of the Anuvrata movement initiated by Acharya Tulsi. This movement aimed to re-establish ethical values in society by promoting the observance of minor vows (Anuvratas) for laypeople, transcending religious and sectarian boundaries.
Anuvrata Code of Conduct: Details the specific vows and ethical guidelines promoted by the Anuvrata movement, focusing on principles applicable to various segments of society like students, teachers, businessmen, politicians, and the general public.
Anuvrata as the Foundation for a Healthy Society: Argues that the principles of Anuvrata, such as non-violence, truthfulness, limited possessions, honesty, and compassion, are crucial for building a harmonious and ethical society.
Scope of Anuvrata: Outlines the various areas where the Anuvrata movement actively promotes ethical conduct, including education, business, politics, interfaith harmony, world peace, environmental consciousness, and social reform.

In essence, "Jain Tattva Mimansa Aur Aachar Mimansa" serves as a comprehensive guide to Jain philosophy, beginning with its metaphysical underpinnings (Tattva Mimansa) and progressing to its ethical framework and practical applications for spiritual liberation (Achar Mimansa), with a strong emphasis on Ahimsa as the central guiding principle.