Marathi Tattvasara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvasara" by Changdev Vateshwar, based on the provided pages:

Title: Tattvasara (तत्त्वसार) Author: Changdev Vateshwar (चांगदेव वटेश्वर) Publisher: Prachya Granth Sangrahalay (प्राच्य ग्रंथसंग्रहालय), Ujjain Editor: Dr. H. R. Divekar (डॉ. ह. रा. दिवेकर) Foreword by: R. B. Laxman Bhaskar Mule (रा. ब. लक्ष्मण भास्कर मुळे) Publication Date: June 16, 1936

Overall Purpose and Context:

The "Tattvasara" is a significant Jain text in Marathi, attributed to Changdev Vateshwar, a contemporary of Saint Dnyaneshwar. The book is presented as the first publication from the "Prachya Granth Sangrahalay" (Oriental Manuscript Library) established in Ujjain, Gwalior. The project aimed to collect, preserve, and publish ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit, Marathi, Parsi, and Arabic, making them accessible to scholars and the public. The foreword highlights the initiative of the Gwalior state to preserve cultural heritage, and the editor's introduction details the serendipitous discovery of the manuscript.

Discovery and Rediscovery of the Manuscript:

The preface by Dr. H. R. Divekar recounts the discovery of fragments of the "Tattvasara." While examining old manuscripts at the home of Shri K. B. Dongre, who was overseeing the oriental library project, Divekar found two pages salvaged from a bundle sold as waste paper by a merchant. The ovi (Marathi poetic verse) format and archaic language indicated its antiquity. The final ovi mentioning "Shri Vateshwararpanamastu" and a specific date (Shaka 1234, Paridhavi samvatsara) led to the strong belief that the author was Changdev, a contemporary of Dnyaneshwar. Despite efforts to find the complete manuscript, only a fragmented copy was recovered. This fragmented but rare text was then decided to be published as the first offering of the Prachya Granth Sangrahalay series.

Author and Guru-Disciple Relationship:

The text is attributed to Changdev Vateshwar. The introduction delves into the historical context and scholarly debate surrounding Changdev.

• Changdev: He is identified as a yogi and disciple of Vateshwar. Historically, Changdev is known for his longevity and his association with Dnyaneshwar and Muktabai. His own verses are limited and sometimes unreliable, leading to his exclusion from earlier literary histories. However, the discovery of "Tattvasara" has reinstated his importance.
• Vateshwar: The identity of Vateshwar, Changdev's guru, is a subject of discussion within the text and its introduction. While some accounts suggest Vateshwar might have been a yogic guru, the editor Divekar proposes a compelling interpretation: Vateshwar may not be a separate person but rather the divine essence or the manifested form of God within Changdev himself, especially after his spiritual enlightenment through Muktabai's teachings. This interpretation is supported by Changdev's own verses where "Vateshwar" seems to represent the ultimate reality or the inner self that guides him. The text itself refers to Vateshwar as the one who bestowed nirguna bhakti (devotion to the formless) upon Changdev.

Content and Philosophical Teachings:

The "Tattvasara" is a philosophical and spiritual treatise that expounds upon various aspects of Jain and broader Indic spiritual philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta and Yoga. The text is structured in a dialogue between Changdev (as the speaker) and his disciple. Key themes include:

• Devotion (Bhakti): The text distinguishes between gross (sthula) and subtle (sukshma) devotion and moves towards Nirguna Bhakti (devotion to the formless absolute).
• The Absolute Reality (Brahman): The text elaborates on the nature of the Absolute, describing it in terms of "Pada" (the transcendent word or sound, linked to Omkar), "Pinda" (the coiled energy Kundalini within the body), "Rupa" (form, the manifestation of elements), and "Rupateeta" (formless, beyond form).
• Yoga and Spiritual Disciplines: It discusses Hathayoga, emphasizing that physical practices alone are insufficient if the ego remains. It also touches upon the importance of internal disciplines like breath control (pranayama) and mental concentration.
• Nirvana and Self-Realization: The core message revolves around transcending the ego, desires, and the cycle of birth and death. It teaches the dissolution of the self into the Absolute, achieving a state of oneness.
• Rejection of Rituals and Externalism: The text advocates for inner realization over mere outward practices or adherence to worldly conventions.
• The Role of the Guru: The importance of the guru is repeatedly stressed, along with severe warnings against betraying or disrespecting the guru. The ultimate goal is presented as merging with the guru and the Absolute.
• The Nature of Action (Karma): The text discusses how true spiritual knowledge liberates one from the bondage of karma, even if actions are performed. It uses analogies to explain how an enlightened person is unaffected by actions, similar to how a fire burns wood without being contaminated by it.
• Ethical and Moral Teachings: The text contains instructions on living a virtuous life, the consequences of unethical actions, and the path to spiritual liberation. It also highlights the folly of seeking worldly gains or divine powers through spiritual practices without proper understanding.
• The "Tattvamasi" Philosophy: The text unpacks the Mahavakya "Tattvamasi" (You are That), explaining that the true self is identical with Brahman.
• The Ovi Metre: The text is written in the Ovi (ओवी) meter, a popular verse form in medieval Marathi literature, often used for religious and philosophical discourse. The editor also includes extensive notes on the etymology and evolution of the Ovi.
• The "Siddha Panth" and Mystical Lineage: The text lists numerous yogis and Siddhas, including women, who were part of the Siddha tradition. This section, along with the commentary, provides valuable insights into the historical spread and diversity of these spiritual lineages.

Significance:

The "Tattvasara" is a valuable contribution to Marathi literature and Jain philosophy. Its rediscovery and publication shed light on an important but previously lesser-known aspect of the Maharashtra's medieval spiritual landscape, particularly highlighting the philosophical depth and poetic tradition associated with figures like Changdev. The text's emphasis on inner realization, the critique of rigid dogma, and its rich philosophical discourse make it a significant work for understanding the spiritual currents of that era.