Nischay Aur Vyavahar Moksh Marg - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nischay aur Vyavahar Moksh Marg" (The Path of Liberation: Ultimate Truth and Conventional Truth) by Bansidhar Pandit, based on the provided text:

The book delves into the Jain concept of the path to liberation (Moksha), explaining it through two essential perspectives: Nischay (ultimate/absolute truth) and Vyavahar (conventional/relative truth).

1. The Nature of Existence and Liberation:

Eternal Samsara: Every soul has been eternally trapped in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) since time immemorial.
Potential for Liberation: However, many souls have successfully broken free from this cycle, and many others possess the inherent capacity to do so.
Cause of Liberation: Liberation is achieved through the complete eradication of all karmas (Karmic substances that bind the soul). These karmas are categorized into eight types (Jnanaavarana, Darshanaavarana, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayuh, Nama, Gothra, and Antaraya), which manifest as subtle (dravyakarma), gross (bhava-karma), and physical (sharira) aspects. The ultimate goal is to be completely free from the influence of these karmas.

2. The Path to Liberation (Moksha Marg):

The Three Jewels: Jainism identifies Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) as the core components of the path to liberation.
Twofold Nature of the Path: These three components, collectively forming the path to liberation, are further understood through the Nischay and Vyavahar perspectives. Therefore, the path to liberation is divided into two: Nischay Moksha Marg and Vyavahar Moksha Marg.

3. Nischay Moksha Marg (The Path of Ultimate Truth):

Direct Cause of Liberation: The Nischay Moksha Marg is considered the direct and immediate cause of liberation.
Components: It comprises Nischay Samyag Darshan, Nischay Samyak Gyan, and Nischay Samyak Charitra.
Nischay Samyag Darshan: This refers to the soul's intrinsic inclination towards its own true nature, turning away from all other non-soul substances (Jivas and Ajivas). It's the deep-seated belief in one's true self.
Nischay Samyak Gyan: This is the direct knowledge or realization of the soul's true, self-existent nature.
Nischay Samyak Charitra: This is the state of the soul being absorbed and stable in its own true nature, having ceased all activities stemming from karmic causes (both intentional and unintentional). This is also known as "Yathakhyat Charitra" (As-it-is Conduct) or "Vitraag Charitra" (Passionless Conduct).

4. Vyavahar Moksha Marg (The Path of Conventional Truth):

Indirect/Perpetual Cause of Liberation: The Vyavahar Moksha Marg serves as the cause for the Nischay Moksha Marg, making it an indirect or preparatory cause for liberation.
Components: It comprises Vyavahar Samyag Darshan, Vyavahar Samyak Gyan, and Vyavahar Samyak Charitra.
Vyavahar Samyag Darshan: This is the conviction and faith in the reality of the seven tattvas (soul, non-soul, influx, bondage, stoppage, disintegration, and liberation) within the soul's inner consciousness. This faith is often cultivated through understanding the teachings about these tattvas.
Vyavahar Samyak Gyan: This involves listening to, studying, reflecting on, and contemplating scriptures that explain the true nature of the seven tattvas or promote passionlessness (Vitraagta). This process aids in understanding the soul's inherent nature as a knower.
Vyavahar Samyak Charitra: This involves engaging in practices like vows (Anuvrat, Mahavrat), discipline (Samiti), restraint (Gupti), virtues (Dharma), and austerities (Tapas) to achieve the state of Nischay Samyak Charitra. This is also called "Sarag Charitra" (Character with attachment) or "Samayik, Chedopasthapana, Pariharvishuddhi, and Sukshma Samparaya Charitra."

5. The Interdependence of Nischay and Vyavahar:

Nischay is the Goal, Vyavahar is the Means: The Nischay Moksha Marg is the ultimate goal, while the Vyavahar Moksha Marg is the means to achieve it. One cannot attain liberation by focusing solely on Vyavahar without Nischay, nor can Nischay be attained without the preparatory steps of Vyavahar.
Gradual Progress: The text emphasizes that one must first engage in Vyavahar practices to gradually progress towards the Nischay state. For example, the author cites from "Chhedala" that attachment to one's own self (Nischay) is preceded by turning away from external objects.
Causality: Nischay is the direct cause, and Vyavahar is the indirect cause. The Nischay path is the goal (Saadhya), and the Vyavahar path is the instrument or cause (Saadhan).

6. Specific Examples and Explanations:

Delineation of Nischay Components: Nischay Samyag Darshan is described as finding joy in one's own self, separate from all external substances. Nischay Samyak Gyan is the knowledge of this self-nature. Nischay Samyak Charitra is remaining stable and absorbed in this self-nature.
Delineation of Vyavahar Components: Vyavahar Samyag Darshan involves faith in the seven tattvas. Vyavahar Samyak Gyan involves the study and contemplation of scriptures related to the seven tattvas. Vyavahar Samyak Charitra involves practicing vows, restraints, and austerities.
The Role of Karmas and Gunasthanas: The text explains how various karmas (like Jnanavarana, Darshanavarana, Mohaniya) influence the soul's state and how the progression through different Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development) leads to the manifestation of these Nischay and Vyavahar aspects. For instance, the ultimate knowledge (Keval Gyan) is a Nischay state, while the partial knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manahparyaya Gyan) is considered Vyavahar.
The Importance of Right View: The text clarifies that merely performing external rituals (Vyavahar) without the underlying right faith (Nischay) is insufficient for liberation. Similarly, claiming to have achieved Nischay without engaging in Vyavahar practices is also incorrect.
The Four Types of Soul States: The text details the four types of soul states (Bhavas) arising from the interaction of the soul with karmas: Audayika (due to karma's direct fruition), Aupashamika (due to suppression of karmas), Kshaya (due to eradication of karmas), and Kshayo-pashamika (due to partial suppression and eradication of karmas). These are linked to the Nischay and Vyavahar classifications. For instance, Aupashamika and Kshaya states are often associated with Nischay, while Kshayo-pashamika is linked to Vyavahar.

7. Addressing Misconceptions:

Vyavahar is Not Just Worldly: The author refutes the idea that Vyavahar practices are solely causes of worldly existence. Instead, they are preparatory steps towards Nischay, which ultimately leads to liberation.
Nischay Cannot Be Attained Directly: It's impossible to achieve the Nischay state without first engaging in Vyavahar practices and progressing through the Gunasthanas.
Distinction Between "Nischay" and "Vyavahar" Terms: The text explains that the terms "Nischay" and "Vyavahar" can have multiple interpretations based on context, such as ultimate vs. conventional, inherent vs. acquired, absolute vs. relative, etc.

Conclusion:

The book fundamentally argues that both Nischay and Vyavahar paths are essential and complementary for achieving liberation. Vyavahar provides the foundation and the practical means to cultivate the Nischay state, which is the direct cause of ultimate freedom. Understanding and diligently following both aspects of the path, as illuminated by Jain scriptures, is crucial for every soul seeking liberation from the cycle of Samsara.