Jintattva Granth 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the content of "Jintattva Granth 2":

The provided text is an excerpt from "Jintattva Granth 2" (Jain Philosophy: Volume 2), authored by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah and published by Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh. The catalog link suggests it's part of a larger collection exploring Jain subjects.

The excerpt primarily focuses on a detailed discussion of the Jain principle of "Adattadan Viraman" (Abstinence from Un-given-ness / Non-stealing), also known as "Asteya". It delves deeply into the multifaceted aspects and nuances of this vow within Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and information presented:

1. Author and Publisher:

Author: Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah (1926-2005), a distinguished Gujarati professor, scholar, and traveler, who held significant positions at Mumbai University and St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. He was also a guiding force for research in Jain philosophy.
Publisher: Shree Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, indicating a publication by a Jain youth organization.

2. Content Overview - "Jintattva Granth 2":

The book is the twenty-sixth in the Sw. Deepchand Tribhovandas Shah Trust Granthshreni series.
It is Volume II of "Jintattva," comprising parts VI to IX.
It's a collection of articles on Jain subjects, specifically those authored by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah.
This volume includes articles from "Jintattva" parts 1-5 in one compilation and further includes articles from "Jintattva" parts 6, 7, 8, and relevant articles on Jainism published in "Prabuddha Jivan" magazine for reader convenience.
The book includes a subject index of "Jintattva" Volume 1 at the end, and Volume 2's index at the beginning of Volume 1, to provide readers with a comprehensive view of the topics covered.

3. Detailed Summary of "Adattadan Viraman" (Non-stealing):

The text elaborates extensively on the third of the five Mahavratas (great vows) in Jainism: Adattadan Viraman (Asteya).

Broad Definition: It's not just about avoiding outright theft of large items. The vow extends to accepting anything that is not willingly given, emphasizing its subtle and profound meaning.
Beyond Literal Theft: The text quotes "Sarvarthasiddhi" to explain that theft occurs not just by taking something external but through any activity driven by "sanklesha parinam" (troubled mental states leading to attachment and desire).
Comprehensive Terminology: The text lists numerous Prakrit words with similar meanings to stealing, such as chorikark (theft), parahard (skillfully snatching others' belongings), kurik (cruelly snatching by threat), paralab (taking advantage of others' labor without effort), asankram (unrestrained taking of others' things), lola (greedy desire for attractive objects), avahar (taking others' belongings with malice or arrogance), hatthaladhutta (sleight of hand, like pickpocketing), apachao (breach of trust), and kulamasi (actions that bring disgrace to one's family).
Importance and Depth: It argues that the concept of "Adattadan Viraman" is not just a religious notion but also socially beneficial for human life.
Position in Mahavratas: Asteya is the third vow, positioned to support the first two (Ahimsa and Satya). Its violation hinders the observance of the first two. Those who perfectly practice Asteya find it easier to follow Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.
Scope of Violation: The text highlights that the possibility of theft is highest in human life. It discusses various forms of theft, from gross to subtle, and how they escalate with societal and technological advancements, citing electronic fraud and computer-related crimes as modern manifestations.
Psychological Aspects: It touches upon "kleptomania" (compulsive stealing) where the act itself, not the object stolen, provides a thrill, often affecting affluent individuals.
Commercial Deception: It criticizes dishonest trade practices, like false weights and measures, misrepresentation, and exploiting customer trust, attributing them to greed.
Categorization of Theft: Jain texts categorize theft (Adattadan) into four main types:
1. Swami Adatta: Taking what belongs to the owner without permission.
2. Jiva Adatta: Taking something that has a living being within it.
3. Tirthankar Adatta: Acting contrary to the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
4. Guru Adatta: Disobeying the commands of the Guru.
Further Classification (Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, Bhava): The text further breaks down theft into:
- Dravya Chori: Theft of material objects (money, jewelry, goods).
- Kshetra Chori: Dishonesty related to land or place.
- Kala Chori: Time-related theft, like working less than paid hours, delaying payments, manipulating interest calculations.
- Bhava Chori: Mental theft, harboring the intent to steal, or appropriating others' ideas and expressions.
Types of Theft (Chitta/Sachitta):
- Achitta (Inanimate): Theft of non-living items like money, ornaments, etc.
- Sachitta (Animate): Theft of living beings like cattle, pets, or even human beings (abduction), and also theft of disciples or students.
Five Gross Types of Theft (Shrवक Pratikraman): Khatkhanan (breaking in), Ganthibheyan (untying knots to steal), Jantugadhan (breaking locks/mechanisms), Padiyavastuharan (taking fallen items), and Sasvamyavastuharan (openly snatching from the owner).
Five Minor Transgressions (Atichara) of Asteya:
1. Stena Prayog: Encouraging or aiding thieves.
2. Tadahritadan: Receiving stolen goods.
3. Viruddha Rajyatikkrama: Violating state laws for gain.
4. Hinadhikamanonman: Using false weights and measures.
5. Pratirupak: Selling counterfeit or adulterated goods.
Seven Types of Thieves: The text lists seven types of individuals involved in theft: the thief, the accomplice, the advisor (mantri), the informant (bhedagna), the receiver of stolen goods (kanakakrayi), the food provider (annada), and the shelter provider (sthanda).
Eighteen Sources/Generators of Theft: It lists 18 ways in which the tendency for theft can be nurtured or aided, ranging from personal involvement to providing resources or information.
Consequences of Theft: The text emphasizes the severe karmic consequences of theft, including punishment in this life (imprisonment, death penalty) and suffering in hells in the next life. It also mentions social consequences like loss of reputation and trust.
Curing the Tendency: The text suggests that true abstinence from theft stems from detachment and contentment, which helps overcome greed and desire.

4. Other Jain Concepts Mentioned:

Avadhijnana: A type of direct, intuitive knowledge in Jainism, which can perceive physical objects up to a certain limit. It is compared to television and computers for illustrative purposes, but its spiritual nature is highlighted.
Siddha Paramatma: The liberated souls in their pure, omniscient, omnipotent state, residing in Siddhashila at the top of the universe. Their eternal bliss and freedom from karma are described.
Vinay: Emphasized as the root of Dharma, essential for spiritual progress, and having both external and internal dimensions.
Arjava: Discussed as straightforwardness, honesty, and simplicity, crucial for spiritual development.
Mangal, Ashtamangal, Mahamangal: Concepts related to auspiciousness, listing various auspicious symbols and practices, with a focus on the spiritual significance of Navkar mantra as the ultimate Mahamangal.
Irāyavahi (Āryāpathikī): The Jain practice of careful movement to avoid harm to living beings, emphasizing the meticulousness of Jain conduct. The detailed explanation of the vow and its transgressions highlights the Jain commitment to Ahimsa.
Leshya: The subtle karmic matter that colors the soul, influencing one's perception and disposition. The six types (Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma, Shukla) are described with their psychological and karmic implications.
Bhogī Bhamaī Sansārē: The concept that those attached to worldly pleasures wander endlessly in the cycle of birth and death.
Ānandghanji's Philosophy: The text refers to the broad-minded and synthesizing spiritual outlook of Saint Poet Anandghanji, who recognized the essence of various faiths.

In essence, "Jintattva Granth 2" appears to be a scholarly compilation by Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah, offering a deep dive into core Jain principles, with a particular focus on the ethical vow of Asteya (Adattadan Viraman) and also touching upon other significant Jain concepts like Avadhijnana, Siddha Paramatma, Vinay, Arjava, Mangala, Irāyavahi, Leshya, and the importance of Saadharmik Vatsalya and the ultimate goal of Moksha. The author's detailed explanations, referencing scriptures and traditional classifications, aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these profound teachings.