Jain Tattvadarsha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Tattvadarsha" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Tattvadarsha (Jain Tattvadarshan) Author(s): Vijayanandsuri, Mulchand Nathubhai Vakil (Translator/Adapter) Publisher: Atmaram Jain Gyanshala Publication Year: 1899 (Samvat 1956)

Overview:

"Jain Tattvadarsha" (The Mirror of Jain Principles) is a significant Jain text authored by Acharya Shrimad Vijayanandsuri and translated/adapted into Gujarati by Mulchand Nathubhai Vakil, published by Atmaram Jain Gyanshala in 1899. The book aims to present the core philosophical and practical tenets of Jainism, making them accessible to a wider audience, particularly the Gujarati-speaking community. The text emphasizes the supremacy and profundity of Jain philosophy, contrasting it with other Indian philosophical systems and highlighting the importance of Tattva (principles) for achieving liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

1. Supremacy of Jain Philosophy: The preface strongly asserts that Jainism is the best among all philosophical systems, citing Acharya Shrimad Haribhadra Suri in his "Shatdarshan Samuchchaya." It argues that Jainism offers the true path to liberation through the practice of Ratnatrayi (the three jewels): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). Unlike other philosophies that may prioritize only knowledge, Jainism stresses the equal importance of faith and conduct, all rooted in right knowledge.

2. Critique of Other Philosophies: The book engages in a critical examination of other philosophical schools, particularly Vedanta. It points out perceived deficiencies in other systems, such as their alleged exclusive focus on knowledge as the means to liberation, and their supposed lack of understanding of the true nature of Samyak Darshan and Samyak Charitra. The author specifically criticizes Madhvacharya's "Sarvadarshana Sangraha" for allegedly misinterpreting and refuting Jain principles like Anekanta (non-absolutism) and Syadvada (conditional predication). The text implies that even great scholars like Madhvacharya were unaware of the profound secrets of Jainism.

3. The Nine Tattvas (Navatattva): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the fundamental principles of Jainism, known as the Nine Tattvas:

   • Jiva (Soul): Defined as sentient, conscious, possessing knowledge, faith, conduct, energy, and experiencing happiness and sorrow. It is described as both substantial and unsubstantial, existing and non-existing, perceivable and non-perceivable, sentient and non-sentient, and capable of attaining liberation.
   • Ajiva (Non-soul): Encompasses matter, Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Ether (Akasha), and Time (Kala). These are considered inert and devoid of consciousness.
   • Puṇya (Merit): Associated with good deeds like charity, resulting in happiness.
   • Pāpa (Demerit): Associated with sinful actions like violence, resulting in suffering.
   • Āśrava (Influx of Karma): The process by which karmas attach to the soul, caused by passions (kashaya), indulgence in senses, ignorance (mithyatva), and the activities of mind, speech, and body (yoga).
   • Saṃvara (Stoppage of Karma): The process of preventing the influx of new karmas through right conduct, vows, and control over senses and passions.
   • Nirjarā (Shedding of Karma): The process of eliminating accumulated karmas through austerities (tapa) and virtuous practices.
   • Bandha (Bondage): The state of the soul being bound by karmas.
   • Mokṣa (Liberation): The ultimate goal, the state of the soul being free from all karmas and achieving eternal bliss and omniscience.

4. The Path to Liberation (Mokshamarga): The text reiterates that the path to liberation is through Ratnatrayi (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), as stated in the Tattvartha Sutra. It elaborates on right knowledge as the accurate comprehension of reality, right faith as the conviction in that reality, and right conduct as the active practice leading to the shedding of karma.

5. Challenges in Jainism: The book expresses concern about the lack of widespread access to and study of profound Jain scriptures. It laments that despite the efforts of great āchāryas, Jain knowledge is often confined to limited circles, unlike texts from other traditions that are widely disseminated. The author notes that even when Jain works are published, they are often in complex formats, hindering easy comprehension for the curious. The lack of investment in Jain education is also highlighted.

6. The Role of the Guru: The text stresses the necessity of a qualified Guru (Guru) for acquiring true knowledge, emphasizing the importance of Gurugamya Jnana (knowledge obtained through a Guru). It critiques the current state where access to such guidance is limited, and knowledge is often misunderstood or inaccessible.

7. Detailed Exposition of Jain Practices: The comprehensive index reveals the book delves into various aspects of Jain practice:

   • The Tattvas: Detailed explanations of the Nine Tattvas.
   • Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunasthana): Outlines the fourteen stages of spiritual development.
   • Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Explains its nature, including behavioral and essential aspects.
   • Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): Details the vows (Vratas) for monks and lay followers, including ethical conduct, dietary restrictions (e.g., against meat consumption, mentioning 32 "anantkay" items), and observances like Paryushana.
   • The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: Provides biographical details and characteristics of each Tirthankara, including their names, lineage, symbols, parents, lifespan, and the reasons behind their names.
   • The Nature of the Divine: Critically examines the concept of God, refuting the idea of a creator God and emphasizing the liberated souls (Siddhas) as the true object of reverence.
   • Critique of False Practices: The text addresses and refutes erroneous beliefs and practices, implicitly or explicitly criticizing those that deviate from the core Jain path.
   • Daily Conduct for Lay Followers: Offers guidance on the daily routine and ethical responsibilities of a Jain householder (Shravaka), including conduct related to family, business, and religious observances.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Tattvadarsha" serves as a foundational text for understanding Jain philosophy and practice. It not only presents the theoretical framework of Jainism but also underscores the practical application of these principles in daily life. The author's passion for the subject and his critical engagement with other traditions demonstrate a strong commitment to the authenticity and superiority of the Jain path to spiritual realization. The translation into Gujarati further broadened its reach, making these profound teachings accessible to a vast community. The book reflects a period of significant intellectual and religious activity within the Jain community, striving to preserve and propagate its unique worldview.