Purusharth Siddhyupay - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Purusharth Siddhyupay" by Acharya Amritchandra Suri, based on the provided Hindi text and catalog link:

Book Title: Purusharth Siddhyupay (पुरुषार्थसिद्धयुपाय) Author: Acharya Amritchandra Suri (आचार्य अमृतचन्द्र सूरि) Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram (श्रीमद् राजचन्द्र आश्रम), Agas, Gujarat Series: Shrimad Rajchandra Jain Shastramala, No. 7 (श्रीमद्राजचन्द्र जैन शास्त्रमाला - ७) Language: Sanskrit (original text), with Hindi commentary and translation. Content Focus: This text is a significant work in Jain philosophy, primarily focusing on Achara (conduct), particularly for Shravakas (lay followers), and also offering profound insights relevant to Muni (ascetic) dharma. It elaborates on the path to liberation (Moksha) through righteous conduct.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured as a comprehensive guide to achieving the four Purusharthas (goals of human life) as understood in Jainism, with a strong emphasis on Moksha (liberation) as the ultimate goal. The core of the text revolves around the principles of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct), which collectively form the path to liberation.

Summary of Content (as per the Hindi text provided):

Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with auspicious invocations and praises to the Tirthankaras and the Acharya.
Introduction to Nayas (Perspectives): The text establishes the importance of understanding the Nishchaya Naya (Absolute/Realist Perspective) and Vyavahar Naya (Conventional/Pragmatic Perspective) in Jain philosophy. It explains how these two perspectives, when understood correctly, lead to true knowledge and guide the seeker towards liberation.
- Nishchaya Naya: Focuses on the ultimate reality of the soul as pure consciousness, untouched by karmas.
- Vyavahar Naya: Deals with the conventional world and practices that are necessary for progressing on the path, even if they are not the ultimate reality.
The Path to Moksha (Purushartha Siddhi): The book elaborates on the means to achieve the ultimate Purushartha, Moksha, which is attained through the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels):
- Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): This is the foundation. It involves the correct understanding and unwavering faith in the true nature of reality, the seven Tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, Moksha), and the teachings of the Jinas. The text details the eight anushangas (qualities) of Samyak Darshan: Nihshankita (doubtlessness), Nishankshita (desirelessness), Nirvichikitsa (disgustlessness), Amudhadrishtitva (unwavering sight), Shraugupyam (right conduct), Sthitikarana (establishing others), Vatsalya (affection), and Prabhava (propagation of Dharma). It also discusses five atipacharas (minor lapses) like doubt, desire, disgust, wrong view, and praise of other views.
- Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): This involves understanding the true nature of the soul and the universe based on Pramanas (means of valid knowledge) and Nayas (perspectives). The text briefly explains Pramanas (like Pratyaksha and Paroksha) and the various Nayas (Dravyarthika and Paryayarthika, with their sub-categories).
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): This is the practical application of Right Faith and Right Knowledge. It is divided into two main categories:
  - Desha Charitra (Partial Conduct): Practiced by lay followers (Shravakas), involving the observance of Anuvratas (minor vows), Guna Vratas (supporting vows), and Shiksha Vratas (disciplinary vows). The text details the five Anuvratas (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Parigraha Parimana), the three Guna Vratas (Digvrata, Desha, Anarthadandavirati), and the four Shiksha Vratas (Samayika, Proshadhopavasa, Bhogopabhoga Parimana, Atithisam vibhaga). It also discusses Salleshana (controlled fasting) as a final practice.
  - Sakala Charitra (Complete Conduct): Practiced by ascetics (Munis), involving the observance of Mahavratas (great vows). This section touches upon the principles of Tapas (austerities), both Bahya (external) and Abhyantara (internal), and the six essential duties (Shat Avashyak) for ascetics.
Detailed Exposition of Vratas (Vows): The text provides extensive explanations of the vows, their principles, and their associated Atipacharas (minor lapses).
- Ahimsa Vrata: Discusses the nuances of violence, emphasizing that the root of violence lies in Kashayas (passions) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. It explains that true Ahimsa is the absence of these passions. It details various forms of violence, including unintentional harm to Sthavaras (one-sensed beings) and intentional harm to Tricas (two-sensed beings and above). The text also condemns practices like consuming alcohol, meat, honey, and certain fruits (Udumbara) due to their inherent violence.
- Satya Vrata (Truthfulness): Discusses different types of false speech (untruthfulness).
- Asteya Vrata (Non-stealing): Covers the concept of stealing, including taking what is not freely given, as well as related concepts like upholding property, honoring legal systems, and correct measurement.
- Brahmacharya Vrata (Celibacy/Chastity): Explains the importance of controlling sensual desires, differentiating between various levels of observance for lay followers and ascetics.
- Parigraha Parimana Vrata (Non-possession): Focuses on limiting worldly possessions and attachments, emphasizing that the true meaning of possession is Murchha (attachment/infatuation) rather than the mere possession of objects.
- Digvrata, Desh Vrata, Anarthadand Virati, Samayika, Proshadhopavasa, Bhogopabhoga Parimana, Atithisam vibhaga: These supporting and disciplinary vows are explained in detail, providing practical guidelines for lay followers.
- Salleshana: The text concludes with the principles of Salleshana, or controlled fasting and meditative death, as a crucial practice for the final stages of life.
Inner Purity and Conduct: Throughout the text, there is a recurring emphasis on the internal state of the practitioner. True adherence to vows and practices is rooted in the purity of thoughts, speech, and actions, driven by the eradication of passions and attachments.

Significance and Author:

Acharya Amritchandra Suri: He is considered one of the most important Jain philosophers and commentators, second only to Bhagwan Kundakundacharya. His works are known for their profound spiritual depth, logical reasoning, and eloquent Sanskrit.
Contribution: "Purusharth Siddhyupay" is highly regarded for its clear and systematic exposition of Jain ethics and its practical application for attaining liberation. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the Jain path to spiritual progress.
Influence: The text has been highly influential in the Jain tradition, inspiring numerous commentaries and study groups. The publication by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram highlights its continued relevance and the efforts to make these ancient teachings accessible.
Shri Nathuram Premi's Commentary: The Hindi commentary by the late Pt. Nathuram Premi is noted for its simplicity and clarity, making the profound concepts of Acharya Amritchandra accessible to a wider audience. The preface mentions that this commentary is based on the earlier works of Pt. Todarmalji and Pt. Daulatramji.

In essence, "Purusharth Siddhyupay" is a foundational Jain text that meticulously outlines the spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct, all guided by the principles of Ahimsa and detachment, to ultimately achieve the goal of liberation.