Nav Padarth

The book "Nav Padarth" by Shreechand Rampuriya, published by Jain Vishva Bharati, is a comprehensive commentary and Hindi translation of the work originally composed by Acharya Bhikshu. The book is an in-depth exploration of the nine fundamental principles (Nav Padarth) of Jainism: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Paap (demerit), Aasrav (influx of karma), Samvar (cessation of influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Bandh (bondage of karma), and Moksha (liberation).

Key aspects of the book as presented in the provided pages:

• Author and Translator: The original work is by Acharya Bhikshu (also referred to as Swami Bhishanji or Acharya Bhikhanji). The Hindi translation and commentary are by Vivek Shri Chand Rampuriya.
• Purpose and Significance: The book is considered highly valuable for gaining fundamental knowledge of Jain principles. It meticulously analyzes each of the nine substances, presenting not only the views of Acharya Bhikshu but also comparing them with those of prominent Shvetambar and Digambar Jaina acharyas.
• Structure: The book is divided into twelve "Dhaals" (sections or chapters), each focusing on one or more of the Nav Padarth. Each Dhaal elaborates on the respective topic with a specific number of Dohas (couplets) and Gathas (verses). The publication details mention specific dates of composition for some Dhaals.
• Content:
  • Jiva (Soul): Discusses the soul as an eternal, unchanging substance with innumerable regions (Asankhyat Pradesh). It differentiates between the substantial soul (Dravya Jiva) and the modal soul (Bhava Jiva), detailing the twenty-three names of the soul based on its attributes and functions. It also elaborates on the five bhavas (states) of the soul: Audayik, Aupashamik, Kshayik, Kshāyopashamik, and Pārināmik.
  • Ajiva (Non-soul): Explains the five categories of Ajiva: Dharmastikaya (matter that facilitates motion), Adharmastikaya (matter that facilitates rest), Akashastikaya (space), Kaal (time), and Pudgalastikaya (matter). It details their characteristics, such as being formless or having form, eternal or perishable, passive or active.
  • Punya (Merit) and Paap (Demerit): These are analyzed extensively. Punya is described as the cause of happiness and good fortune, originating from merit-generating actions (niravady yoga). Paap, conversely, is the cause of suffering, arising from demeritorious actions (savady yoga). The book delves into the eight karma categories and how they relate to Punya and Paap. It highlights that even Punya, being karmic, is ultimately to be transcended for liberation, though it leads to temporary happiness.
  • Aasrav (Influx of Karma): Explains the channels through which karma enters the soul, identifying five primary causes: Mithyatva (false belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramad (negligence), Kashaay (passions), and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body). It emphasizes that these are soul's states and therefore the soul is the agent (karta) of Aasrav.
  • Samvar (Cessation of Influx): Presented as the opposite of Aasrav, Samvar involves the cessation of karma influx. It is achieved through various means like right faith (Samyaktva), restraint (Virati), non-negligence (Apramād), absence of passions (Akashāya), and cessation of yoga activity (Ayog).
  • Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): Discusses the process of shedding accumulated karma, both old and new. This is achieved through various austerities (tapas) and virtuous practices. It differentiates between intentional (sakam) and unintentional (akam) shedding of karma.
  • Bandh (Bondage of Karma): Explains how karma attaches to the soul due to Aasrav and the influence of passions, leading to bondage. It details the four types of Bandh: Prakriti Bandh (type of karma), Sthiti Bandh (duration), Anubhag Bandh (intensity), and Pradesh Bandh (quantity).
  • Moksha (Liberation): Describes the ultimate goal of Jainism, which is the soul's complete liberation from all karmic bondage, leading to an eternal state of omniscience, bliss, and infinite energy.
• Commentary and References: The book includes detailed "Tippani" (notes) that provide further explanations, references to Jain scriptures like Bhagvati Sutra, Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Sthānanga Sutra, and Āchāranga Sutra, and sometimes elaborate on specific philosophical points or compare different interpretations.
• Editions: The book has seen multiple editions, with the first published in 1961 and a second edition in 1997.
• Context of Publication: The first edition was published in 1961 to commemorate the Dwishatabdi (200th anniversary) of the Terapanth movement, coinciding with the second Mahotsav (grand celebration) of Swami Bhishanji and the silver jubilee of Acharya Tulsi's pontificate. The second edition incorporates suggestions from scholars and the author's daughters.

In essence, "Nav Padarth" by Shreechand Rampuriya is a profound exposition of Jain metaphysics and ethics, tracing the soul's journey from bondage through Aasrav and Bandh, towards liberation (Moksha) via the crucial processes of Samvar and Nirjara, all rooted in the understanding of the fundamental nine substances.