Panchastikay Padyanuwada Evam Tirthankar Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchastikay Padyanuwada evam Tirthankar Stavan" by Ratanchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

This book is a poetic Hindi translation of Acharya Kundakunda's "Panchastikaya" along with a "Tirthankar Stavan" (hymn to the Tirthankaras) by Pandit Ratanchand Bharilla. The preface indicates that this translation is being published as part of an editorial series in "Jainpathpradarshak" and will eventually be available as a separate book. The publication is supported by the Pandit Todermal Smarak Trust, Jaipur, and published by the Ravindra Patni Family Charitable Trust, Mumbai.

Core Teachings of Panchastikaya (as presented in the poetic translation):

The "Panchastikaya" is a foundational Jain text that describes the six fundamental substances (dravyas) and categorizes them into five "astikayas" (constituent groups) and one additional category. The text emphasizes the eternal nature of these substances and their transformations.

• The Nature of Reality (Dravya):

  • The universe is composed of eternal substances (dravyas) that are characterized by origination (utpad), decay (vyay), and permanence (dhrauvya).
  • Substances are the basis of qualities (guna) and states/modifications (paryaya). They are inseparable, with neither existing without the other.
  • Every substance has infinite modifications or states, making it both singular and manifold.
  • The Jain philosophy of "Syadvada" (conditional predication) is mentioned, with seven conditional statements (bhangas) describing the nature of reality.
  • What truly exists (sat) cannot be destroyed, and what does not exist (asat) cannot come into being. All transformations involve the origination and decay of modifications of substances.

• The Six Substances and Five Astikayas:

  • The text identifies five astikayas: Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), and Akasha (space). These, along with Kala (time), constitute the six dravyas that exist in the universe.
  • These substances are eternal, uncreated, and are the causes of the world.
  • They co-exist and occupy space without losing their own intrinsic nature.
  • Jiva (Soul): Souls are characterized by consciousness (chetana) and experience (upayog). They are the embodied beings (samsari) that experience life, death, and transmigration through various states like hell-dwellers, humans, and celestial beings. Souls are not their bodies, senses, or even their qualities; they are the fundamental conscious entity. Souls are characterized by infinite qualities and are pervasive within the space they occupy.
  • Pudgala (Matter): Matter is described as having various forms, including color, taste, smell, and touch. It can be subtle or gross, a single atom (paramanu) or a compound (skandha). Matter is the cause of material things and experiences.
  • Dharma (Medium of Motion): This substance facilitates movement for souls and matter. It is formless, color less, tasteless, odorless, and intangible.
  • Adharma (Medium of Rest): This substance facilitates rest for souls and matter. Like Dharma, it is formless and intangible.
  • Akasha (Space): Space provides room for all other substances to exist. It is infinite and all-pervading.
  • Kala (Time): Time is described as a substance that brings about change and is experienced as moments, days, months, etc. It is essential for the transformations of other substances.

• Karma and Liberation:

  • The text discusses the bondage of karma, which obscures the soul's true nature. Karma is seen as subtle matter that adheres to the soul due to passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
  • The soul's engagement with passions and sensory experiences leads to the influx (asrava) of karmic particles.
  • The blockage of this influx (samvara) and the shedding of existing karma (nirjara) are crucial for liberation.
  • True liberation (moksha) is achieved when the soul is free from all karmic bondage and attains infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power. This is a state of pure consciousness and self-realization.

• The Path to Liberation:

  • The path to liberation is described as the attainment of "Ratnatraya" (three jewels): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
  • Right faith involves unwavering belief in the Jain teachings and substances.
  • Right knowledge is accurate and comprehensive understanding of reality.
  • Right conduct involves living a life free from attachment, aversion, and passions, adhering to principles of non-violence, truthfulness, etc.

• Description of Living Beings:

  • The text classifies living beings into various categories based on their senses (from one-sensed to five-sensed) and their environments (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, plant-bodied, and mobile beings). It emphasizes that the soul is distinct from these physical forms and senses.

Tirthankar Stavan (Hymn to the Tirthankaras):

Following the philosophical exposition, the book includes a hymn dedicated to the Tirthankaras. This section offers salutations and praises to the omniscient and liberated beings who guide humanity towards liberation. It highlights their infinite virtues and their role as dispellers of ignorance and the cause of salvation.

Overall Significance:

"Panchastikay Padyanuwada evam Tirthankar Stavan" serves as an accessible poetic rendition of profound Jain metaphysical principles. It aims to enlighten readers about the nature of the soul, matter, and the universe, guiding them towards the spiritual path of liberation through right faith, knowledge, and conduct. The inclusion of the Tirthankar Stavan adds a devotional element, reinforcing the importance of venerating these perfected souls on the path to spiritual attainment.