Jain Tattva Mimansa Ek Samikshatmaka Adhyayan

This document is a review of the book "Jain Tattva Mimansa: Ek Samikshatmaka Adhyayan" (Jain Philosophy: A Critical Study) by Dr. Uttamchand Jain. The book is presented as a tribute to the esteemed scholar Pandit Phoolchandra Ji Siddhantashastri.

The review highlights Pandit Phoolchandra Ji's significant contributions to Jain literature, particularly his critical editing of foundational Jain texts like the Shatkhandagama (with Dhavala commentary) and Kashayapahud (with Jayadhavala commentary). However, the review emphasizes that "Jain Tattva Mimansa" is considered his most outstanding and immortal original work.

The author of the review elaborates on the structure and content of "Jain Tattva Mimansa," noting that it exists in two editions: a concise 200-page version and a more comprehensive 422-page version. Dr. Uttamchand Jain, in his preface, explains the rationale behind the changes and additions in the second edition, including the renaming of chapters like "Acceptance of Incidental Cause" to "Investigation of External Means" and "Investigation of Material and Incidental Cause" to "Investigation of Essential Material Cause." These changes were made to more accurately reflect the nuanced Jain philosophical concepts.

The book is divided into twelve chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of Jain philosophy:

1. Introduction: Sets the stage for the book.
2. Investigation of the Nature of Substance: Explains the Jain concept of substance as having origination, decay, and permanence (utpad-vyay-dhrauvya), using the example of gold being fashioned into different ornaments.
3. Investigation of External Means (Nimitta): Discusses external causes and their relationship to the phenomenon.
4. Investigation of Essential Material Cause (Nishchay Upadan): Delves into the concept of the inherent, self-dependent material cause within a substance.
5. Investigation of Both Incidental and Material Causes (Ubhay Nimitta): Explores the interplay between essential material causes and external incidental causes, emphasizing that the former is primary.
6. Investigation of Doer and Deed (Kartri-Karma): Addresses the crucial concept of agent and action, identifying errors in understanding these as a root cause of philosophical confusion in Jainism. It clarifies that in the ultimate sense, the doer and the deed are one within the substance itself.
7. Investigation of the Six Cases (Shatkarak): Explains the six grammatical cases (karta, karma, karan, sampradan, apadan, adhikaran) and how they are understood within the Jain framework, primarily as occurring within a single substance.
8. Investigation of Sequentially Regulated Modifications (Kramanayamit Paryay): This is highlighted as a particularly detailed and well-supported chapter, guiding future authors on the concept of sequential modifications (krambaddha paryay). It argues that acceptance of sequential modifications is essential for accepting omniscient knowledge and has significant implications for liberation and spiritual progress.
9. Investigation of Right Certainty (Samyak Niyati): Discusses the concept of right determination or certainty.
10. Investigation of Essential and Conventional Truth (Nishchay-Vyavahar): Explores the relationship between ultimate truth and conventional truth in Jainism.
11. Investigation of Non-One-Sidedness and Syadvada (Anekant-Syadvada): Covers the fundamental Jain principles of non-absolutism and conditional predication.
12. Investigation of the Nature of Omniscient Knowledge (Kevalgyan Swabhav): Examines the nature of perfect knowledge.

The review quotes the elderly scholar Pandit Jagmohanlal Ji Shastri, who wrote the foreword, urging scholars to prioritize the revelation of the secrets of the Jain Agamas, even if it means facing societal reactions or fears. He stresses that the primary duty of scholars is to serve the Jinagam, free from societal pressures.

In essence, the review positions "Jain Tattva Mimansa" as an indispensable work for anyone seeking to understand Jain philosophy, offering guidance to practitioners of Jainism, resolving complex theoretical issues, and serving as an enduring monument to Pandit Phoolchandra Ji's scholarly prowess. The reviewer strongly recommends its serious study and contemplation for spiritual progress and purification of perception.