Nimittopadan - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nimittopadan" by Hukamchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nimittopadan (निमित्तोपादान) Author: Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur

Overall Theme:

The book "Nimittopadan" aims to clarify the Jain concepts of Upaadaan (Upaadan - the intrinsic cause, the material cause) and Nimitta (Nimitta - the extrinsic cause, the instrumental cause) in the context of causality and spiritual liberation. The author addresses the confusion and disputes that have arisen around these topics, particularly in light of discussions on "Krambaddh Paryay" (Sequential States) and "Nischay-Vyavahar" (Absolute and Conventional Truths) within the Jain tradition.

Key Arguments and Concepts Presented:

The Problem of Misunderstanding: The book begins by stating that the current debate and controversy surrounding Upaadaan and Nimitta stem from a lack of clear understanding of these fundamental concepts. The author's aim is to present them in a simple and understandable manner, supported by scriptural references (Aagama).
Upaadaan and Nimitta as Causes: Every event or "effect" (Karya) in the universe arises from causes. Jain philosophy categorizes these causes into two primary types:
- Upaadaan-karan (Material Cause): This is the substance or quality that itself transforms into the effect. It is the intrinsic potential or material from which the effect emerges.
- Nimitta-karan (Instrumental Cause): This is the extrinsic factor that facilitates or influences the manifestation of the effect, but does not itself transform into the effect. It is conducive to the occurrence of the event.
Relationship between Causes and Effects:
- An effect is called "Upaadeya" (that which is produced) in relation to its Upaadaan-karan.
- The same effect is called "Naimittika" (that which is caused by Nimitta) in relation to its Nimitta-karan.
- Therefore, every event has both an Upaadaan and a Nimitta. For example, a pot (effect) is "Upaadeya" from clay (Upaadaan) and "Naimittika" from the potter, wheel, and stick (Nimitta).
Types of Upaadaan:
- Trikali Upaadaan (Eternal Material Cause): The eternal substance or its inherent qualities that possess the potential for transformation. This is the fundamental substratum.
- Kshanika Upaadaan (Momentary Material Cause):
  - Anantar-purva-kshanavarti-paryay (The immediately preceding state): The state of a substance just before it transforms into the current state.
  - Tat-samay ki yogyata (The potentiality at that specific time): The inherent capacity of a substance to transform into a particular state at a given moment. This is also referred to as "Samarth Upaadaan" (Capable Material Cause).
Types of Nimitta:
- Udaasin Nimitta (Indifferent/Passive Instrumental Cause): These are external factors that are present but do not actively participate in the transformation. Examples include Dharma Dravya (substance of motion), Adharma Dravya (substance of rest), Akash Dravya (space), and Kaal Dravya (time).
- Prerak Nimitta (Motivating/Active Instrumental Cause): These are factors that actively influence or prompt the transformation. Examples include a teacher's instruction or the potter's action.
The Debate on the "Regulator" Cause: A crucial point of discussion is which cause is the "regulator" (niyamak karan). The author argues that the Kshanika Upaadaan (momentary material cause, specifically the "tat-samay ki yogyata" or potentiality) is the true regulator of when an effect occurs.
- The argument against Trikali Upaadaan being the sole regulator is that if it were, effects would always be occurring since it is eternal.
- Nimitta, even when active, is not the ultimate regulator. The author uses the analogy of a teacher: while a teacher inspires, it is the student's readiness (Upaadaan) that determines learning.
The Role of the Soul (Atma) in Spiritual Liberation:
- The ultimate goal in Jainism is liberation (Moksha), which is the soul's attainment of its pure, inherent nature.
- The soul itself is the Upaadaan for spiritual liberation, particularly its inherent qualities and potentiality.
- True spiritual guides (Satsangati) and their teachings are considered Nimitta for the soul's liberation. However, these are external.
Distinguishing True Satsangati: The book emphasizes that not all external association is beneficial. True Satsangati refers to association with those who guide one towards the realization of the soul's true nature (the "Trikali Dhruva Paramatma").
- The author stresses that while external guidance is necessary, the ultimate focus must shift from the guide (Nimitta) to the self (Upaadaan) for self-realization.
- The analogy of Arjuna in the Mahabharata is used: Arjuna's success in hitting the bird's eye was because he focused solely on the target, excluding even his teacher (Guru) from his perception during the critical moment. Similarly, for spiritual liberation, the focus must be solely on the soul.
Upaadaan as the True "Doer": The core message is that the Upaadaan is the real causal agent in the manifestation of any effect. Nimitta is merely a facilitator or a pointer.
- The book refutes the idea that external factors (Nimitta) have control or power over one's destiny.
- Misunderstanding this leads to the burden of "kartrutva-buddhi" (sense of doership) and attachment/aversion towards external factors, causing suffering.
Practical Implications:
- Understanding Upaadaan and Nimitta reduces the burden of false doership. It clarifies that one is only the agent of their own internal states, not external events or the actions of others.
- This understanding helps in detachment from worldly pursuits and reduces aversion towards negative influences and attachment towards positive ones.
- It fosters spiritual peace and equanimity.
Q&A Section: The latter part of the book consists of a Q&A session addressing specific doubts related to Upaadaan and Nimitta, particularly concerning:
- How can a cause be named only after the effect occurs?
- The role of teachings (Deshna) in attaining right faith (Samyagdarshan).
- The significance of worshipping idols (Jinbimb) and the teachings of saints.
- The distinction between worldly and spiritual Satsangati.
- Why the focus should ultimately shift from Nimitta to Upaadaan.
- The benefits of understanding Upaadaan-Nimitta for both spiritual and worldly well-being.

In Essence:

"Nimittopadan" is a scholarly yet accessible exploration of critical Jain philosophical concepts. It aims to dismantle the confusion surrounding Upaadaan and Nimitta, demonstrating that while Nimitta plays a role as an external facilitator, the Upaadaan, particularly the internal potentiality of the soul, is the fundamental and determining cause of all its experiences and ultimate liberation. The book advocates for a shift in focus from external factors to the self-evident power and potential within one's own soul for spiritual progress and well-being.