Moksha Shastra Arthat Tattvartha Sutra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Moksha Shastra arthat Tattvartha Sutra," based on the text you supplied:

This document presents a Hindi translation and commentary of the Tattvartha Sutra, a fundamental Jain scripture, authored by Acharya Umaswami. The translation and commentary are attributed to Ram Manekchand Doshi and the Hindi translation to Pandit Parmeshthidas Jain. The book is published by Shri Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, Songadh.

Core Theme:

The Tattvartha Sutra, also known as Moksha Shastra, is a comprehensive treatise on Jain philosophy and the path to liberation (Moksha). Its name reflects its dual purpose: Tattvartha (meaning "the nature of reality" or "essential truths") and Moksha Shastra ("the scripture on liberation"). The text aims to elucidate the fundamental principles of Jainism, guiding sentient beings toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The Tattvartha Sutra is structured into ten chapters, each dealing with distinct aspects of Jain doctrine, totaling 357 sutras. The commentary elaborates on these sutras, providing detailed explanations and philosophical insights. The first chapter lays the groundwork for the entire path by defining Moksha as the attainment through the unified practice of Right Faith (Samyagdarshan), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyagcharitra).

Chapter Breakdown (as outlined in the Table of Contents and introductory sections):

Chapter 1: Moksha Marg Prakaran (The Path to Liberation)
- Defines the path to liberation as the unified practice of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
- Explains the nature of these three elements and their interconnectedness.
- Discusses the principles of Pramana (valid means of knowledge) and Naya (viewpoints or partial truths), crucial for understanding reality in its manifold aspects (Anekanta).
- Explains the concept of Nishaya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahar (conventional truth) and how they relate to the path.
- Crucially, it emphasizes that true Samyagdarshan (Right Faith) is essential and is the foundation for all spiritual progress. It is described as the accurate belief in the true nature of reality.
Chapter 2: Jiva Prakaran (The Soul)
- Details the nature of the soul (Jiva), its essential characteristics, and its various states of existence.
- Discusses the five states of the soul: Aupashamika, Kshayika, Kshayo-pashamika, Audayika, and Parinamika (states of subsidence, destruction, subsidence-destruction, manifestation, and inherent nature).
- Explains the concept of Indriyas (senses) and their role in the soul's interaction with the material world.
- Describes the different types of bodies (Sharira) the soul can inhabit and the principles of transmigration.
Chapters 3 & 4: Lok Prakaran (The Universe/Realms)
- These chapters describe the Jain cosmology, detailing the three realms: Adholok (lower realm, including hellish beings), Madhyalok (middle realm, comprising the earth with humans and animals), and Urdhvalok (upper realm, inhabited by celestial beings or Devas).
- Provides extensive geographical details of the Jambu Continent, its mountains, rivers, and the different regions.
- Explains the celestial beings (Devas) and their various classifications, heavens, and lifespans.
Chapter 5: Ajiva Prakaran (Non-Soul)
- Focuses on the Ajiva (non-soul) entities, which are the five fundamental substances of the universe:
  - Dharmastikaya (medium of motion)
  - Adharmastikaya (medium of rest)
  - Akasha (space)
  - Kala (time)
  - Pudgala (matter)
- Explains their unique properties, their existence, and their interactions with the soul and each other.
- Emphasizes the independent nature of substances (Dravya) and their inherent qualities (Guna) and manifestations (Paryaya).
Chapters 6 & 7: Asrava Prakaran (Influx of Karma)
- These chapters delve into the concept of Asrava (influx of karma), explaining how the soul's passions and activities lead to the accumulation of karmic particles.
- Details the causes of Puṇya (merit) and Papa (demerit), which bind the soul to the cycle of rebirth.
- The commentary highlights the importance of understanding that while good actions (Puṇya) may lead to favorable worldly conditions, they are still considered a form of bondage and not the ultimate path to liberation. True liberation comes from transcending all karmic bondage through Vitarag (passionless) states.
- The commentary strongly distinguishes between true spiritual practice and mere external rituals, emphasizing that actions performed with attachment or wrong faith do not lead to liberation.
Chapter 8: Bandha Prakaran (Bondage of Karma)
- Explains the process of Bandha (bondage), detailing how karmic particles attach to the soul due to passions and ignorance.
- Discusses the different types of karma, their effects on the soul, and the duration of their influence.
Chapter 9: Samvara and Nirjara Prakaran (Stoppage and Shedding of Karma)
- Explains Samvara, the process of stopping the influx of new karma by controlling passions and engaging in virtuous conduct.
- Details Nirjara, the shedding of accumulated karma through ascetic practices, penance, and detachment. This chapter emphasizes the role of Vows (Vrata), Control (Gupti), Carefulness (Samiti), and Penance (Tapa) in achieving liberation.
Chapter 10: Moksha Prakaran (Liberation)
- Describes Moksha (liberation) as the ultimate state of the soul, free from all karmic bondage and suffering.
- Explains the nature of the liberated soul, its infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and potency.
- Details the characteristics of the Siddha (liberated souls) and their abode in the Siddhashila (realm of the liberated).

Commentary's Emphasis (from the introduction and notes):

The commentary by Ram Manekchand Doshi and the translation by Parmeshthidas Jain, particularly with the influence of spiritual luminary Shri Kanji Swami, strongly emphasizes an immanent, internal spiritual understanding of Jain principles. The text highlights the distinction between Nishaya (ultimate, absolute truth) and Vyavahar (conventional, practical truth). The commentary frequently refers to the importance of the Nishaya aspect, often stating that true spiritual progress lies in realizing the soul's inherent pure nature, free from all external influences and attachments.

The text also critically analyzes various interpretations, particularly concerning the role of "good" actions or Shubha Yoga. It argues that even seemingly virtuous activities, if performed with attachment or a sense of agency, can still constitute a form of bondage (Bandha) and are not the ultimate path to liberation, which is exclusively the Vitaraga (passionless) state. The commentary stresses that the ultimate goal is the realization of the soul's inherent pure consciousness, free from all worldly entanglements.

Overall:

The provided text is a significant work in Jain literature, offering a detailed and philosophically rich exposition of the path to spiritual liberation. The commentary's focus on the Nishaya perspective provides a profound understanding of the soul's true nature and the ultimate means to attain freedom. The extensive citations from other Jain scriptures within the commentary indicate a deep engagement with the broader Jain philosophical tradition.