Jain Tattvasara

This document is a comprehensive summary of Jain Tattvasara (Substance of Jainism), authored by Niranjanmuni and Chetanmuni, and published by Niranjanmuni. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/005285/1.

The book serves as a fundamental guide to Jain philosophy and practices, detailing core principles and the path to spiritual liberation. It is structured into several sections, covering the essence of Jainism, the significance of the human birth, and the essential components of spiritual progress: knowledge, perception, and conduct.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the provided text:

I. Introduction and Overview:

• Title: Jain Tattvasara (Substance of Jainism).
• Authors: Niranjanmuni and Chetanmuni.
• Publisher: Niranjanmuni.
• Inspiration: The book is based on the teachings of the venerable Acharya Shri Amolakrishi Ji Maharaj, with its original work being "Shri Jain Tattvasara Prakash." The current compilation aims to present this knowledge in a concise format (around 400 pages) suitable for contemporary times.
• Core Message: The book emphasizes that the soul wanders in the cycle of birth and death due to its attachment to "Vibhav" (perverse states) and the company of "Mithyatva" (false beliefs), leading to the accumulation of "Karma" (actions). To escape this suffering and attain liberation ("Moksha"), one must diligently study Jain principles, understand the Panch Parmeshthi (five supreme beings), and follow the path of knowledge, perception, and conduct.
• Key Components: The book promises to elaborate on:
  • The principles of knowledge, perception, and conduct.
  • The identity of the Panch Parmeshthi.
  • Detailed information about the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • The essence of the 32 Agamas.
  • Other relevant information for spiritual liberation.
• Purpose: To provide "keys" to escape suffering, avoid sin, and achieve liberation.

II. Foundational Jain Concepts:

• Human Life: Human life is considered superior to even heavenly beings because only a human birth provides the capacity for austerities, vows, and the right path to Moksha. The text highlights the rarity and importance of obtaining a human birth with favorable conditions: the right continent ("Arya Kshetra"), noble lineage, healthy body, the true religion taught by omniscient beings ("Kevali Pra-rupit Dharma"), and the association of Jain monks and nuns.
• Knowledge, Perception, and Conduct (Gyan, Darshan, Charitra): These are presented as the fundamental pillars of spiritual progress and liberation.
• Panch Parmeshthi: Identification and understanding of the five supreme beings: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu.

III. Detailed Excersions on Jain Tattvas (Principles):

The book systematically breaks down Jain philosophy into chapters, focusing on:

• Arihant (Tirthankaras):
  • Detailed descriptions of the 24 Tirthankaras, including their birth Nadias, mothers, fathers, birth Nadias, places of initiation, lifespans, spiritual achievements (Kevalgyan, etc.), and Nirvana dates.
  • Explanation of their 12 cardinal qualities, 34 divine manifestations (Atishay), 35 types of speech, and freedom from 18 types of defects.
  • The 20 causative factors for attaining the Tirthankara name-karma.
• Siddha (Liberated Souls):
  • Description of the 18 Siddha principles.
  • Detailed accounts of the universe ("Lok Varna"), including the lower worlds (Adho Lok), hells, infernal beings (Parmadhrami Devas), and the suffering endured by hellish beings.
  • Descriptions of the middle world (Manushya Lok), Mount Meru, Jambudvipa, and the concept of time cycles (12 Aras, 6 Aras).
  • Explanation of the celestial abodes (Urdhva Lok) and the state of Siddha Bhagwan.
• Acharya:
  • The 35 qualities of an Acharya.
  • The five cardinal virtues (Panch Mahavrat) and the fivefold conduct (Panchachara).
  • The eight pillars of perception (Darshanachar).
  • The 16 defects to be avoided in Upkram (beginning an action).
  • The 12 aspects of penance (Tapa).
  • Six types of internal penance (Abhyantar Tapa).
  • Five types of scriptural study (Swadhyaya).
  • The importance of energetic endeavor (Viryachar).
  • The nine safeguards of chastity (Brahmacharya).
• Upadhyaya:
  • The 25 qualities of an Upadhyaya.
  • The 12 minor scriptures (Upanga Sutras), 4 Cheda Sutras, and 4 Moola Sutras.
  • The 25 specific vows (Pratilekhana) and 12 contemplations (Bhavna).
  • The 8 types of spiritual influence (Prabhavna).
  • The 16 analogies used to describe an Upadhyaya.
• Sadhu (Monks):
  • The 20 qualities of a Sadhu.
  • The 22 types of endurance (Parishaha).
  • The 52 types of misconduct (Anachar).
  • The 20 defects causing lack of peace (Asamādhi).
  • The 32 types of combined efforts (Yoga Sangrah).
  • The 6 types of restraint (Niyanth/Nirgranth).
  • The 84 and subsequent 12 analogies describing a Sadhu.
• The Path to Dharma:
  • The process of obtaining Dharma, including the rarity of the human birth and the importance of righteous actions.
  • The concept of "Pudgal Paravartan" (a cycle of material transformations).
  • The 10 points of rarity for spiritual pursuit.
  • The 25 virtues of a righteous person.
  • The description of the nine fundamental principles (Navatattva) of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Bandha (bondage), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (prevention of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Moksha (liberation), Puny (merit), and Paap (demerit).
  • Detailed explanation of each of the Navatattva.
  • The four types of deposition (Nikshetra) and four types of valid knowledge (Pramana).
  • The 14 stages of spiritual progress (Gunsthan).
  • The 6 types of passions (Kashay).
  • The importance of righteous conduct (Charitra Dharma).
  • The understanding of correct perception (Samakit) – both in a conventional (Vyavahar) and ultimate (Nischay) sense.
  • The ten types of faith (Ruchi) in Samyak Darshan.
  • The guidance given to a Samyakdrishti (one with right perception).
• Mithyatva (False Beliefs):
  • An extensive explanation of Mithyatva and its various forms, including:
    • Anadi Ananta Mithyatva (beginningless and endless false belief).
    • Anadi Sant Mithyatva (beginningless but ending false belief).
    • Sant Santya Mithyatva (having both beginning and end).
  • The 25 types of Mithyatva are detailed.
  • The 363 false views.
  • The seven types of false paths (Nirgrantha).
  • The nature of Charitra Dharma.
• Samakit (Right Perception):
  • Detailed explanation of Samyakva, its importance, and how it is attained.
  • The five types of Samyakva: Upasham (appeasement), Bhav (internal state), Lakshya (characteristic), Prabhavana (influence), and Kriya (action).
  • The 10 types of inclination (Ruchi) towards Samyakva.
  • The 8 qualities of a Samyakdrishti (one with right perception).
  • The 5 vices that pollute Samyakva.
  • The 5 virtues that adorn it.
  • The 8 types of spiritual influence (Prabhavana).
  • The 6 types of carefulness (Yatna).
  • The 4 conditions that are exempt from breaking vows (Aagar).
  • The 6 types of contemplation (Bhavana).
• Shrāvak Dharma (Lay Follower's Conduct):
  • The 21 virtues of a householder.
  • The 12 vows of a lay follower (5 Vows, 3 Vows of Qualification, 4 Vows of Training).
  • The 5 offenses (Atichar) of each vow.
  • The 15 types of prohibited professions (Karma-daan).
  • The 10 offenses related to speech.
  • The 5 offenses related to mind and body.
  • The 14 types of false knowledge.
  • The 11 stages of spiritual development for lay followers (Pratima).
  • The 17 rules for maintaining purity.
  • The significance of Poushadh Vrata (fasting/penance).
  • The importance of Alpa Parishaha (enduring hardships with equanimity).
  • The concept of Alpa Parishaha (minimal needs).
  • The 12 types of vows and their associated offenses.
  • The meticulousness in practicing these vows, particularly regarding conduct, speech, and mind.
• Antim Shuddhi (Final Purification/Liberation):
  • The nature of death and the process of dying well (Sakaam Maran vs. Akaam Maran).
  • The 17 types of death.
  • The importance of contemplation on impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
  • The goal of achieving Moksha and the path towards it.
  • The concept of "Paramartha Dṛṣṭā" (one who sees the ultimate truth).

IV. Supporting Sections:

• Mangalacharan: Invocation to the Siddhas and the Panch Parmeshthi.
• Table of Contents (Anukramnika): A detailed index outlining the structure of the book.
• Diagrams: Visual representations of the Lokakash (universe) and the 12 Aras (time cycles) are included.
• Doharas and Chhappay Chhand: Poetic verses are used to explain complex concepts in a more accessible and memorable way.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Tattvasara" appears to be a foundational text that aims to provide a structured and comprehensive understanding of Jainism. It covers the philosophical underpinnings, the ethical framework, and the practical aspects of the spiritual path, emphasizing the gradual progress towards liberation through right knowledge, perception, and conduct. The inclusion of detailed lists of qualities, offenses, and practices highlights the systematic approach of Jainism towards spiritual discipline.

The book also acknowledges its predecessors and aims to make profound spiritual knowledge accessible to a wider audience, reflecting a commitment to spreading Jain teachings.