Purusharth Siddhyupaya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Purusharth Siddhyupaya" based on the provided text:

Book Title: Purusharth Siddhyupaya Author(s): Manikchand Chavre (This is an analysis of the work, not the original author. The original author is Acharya Amritchandra.) Publisher: Z_Acharya_Shantisagar_Janma_Shatabdi_Mahotsav_Smruti_Granth_012022.pdf Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211368/1

This text is an analytical study of the Purusharth Siddhyupaya, an important ethical treatise by Acharya Amritchandra. Acharya Amritchandra, a highly respected scholar and saint from the 12th century Vikram era, is known for his insightful works, including Purusharth Siddhyupaya, Tattvarthasar, and commentaries on Samaysar, Pravachansar, and Panchastikaya.

Purusharth Siddhyupaya: A Comprehensive Ethical Guide

Structure and Content: The Purusharth Siddhyupaya is composed of 226 Arya verses and is divided into six main sections:
1. Introduction (Granthapithika) (Verses 1-19): This section includes auspicious invocations, the essence of fundamental principles, and the cause-and-effect relationship.
2. Right Faith (Samyagdarshanadhikar) (Verses 20-30): This section elucidates the nature of Right Faith, discussing its eight limbs from both the absolute (Nishchaya) and practical (Vyavahar) perspectives.
3. Right Knowledge (Samyagjnanaadhikar) (Verses 31-36): This part details the inseparable and cause-and-effect relationship between Right Faith and Right Knowledge.
4. Right Conduct (Samyakcharitradhikar) (Verses 37-174): This is the most extensive section, describing the twelve vows in detail, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa) and its supportive aspects.
5. Sallekhana (Sallekhanadhikar) (Verses 175-196): This section focuses on the practice of Sallekhana (controlled fasting and meditation leading to death), also including a description of transgressions of vows.
6. Complete Conduct (Sakalcharitradhikar) (Verses 197-226): This final section discusses the flawlessness of the three jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct) through logical reasoning.
Key Themes and Concepts:
- The Nature of Reality (Nayas): The text strongly emphasizes the necessity of understanding both the absolute (Nishchaya) and practical (Vyavahar) viewpoints for comprehending reality.
  - Nishchaya Naya: Represents the true, intrinsic nature of an object (e.g., the soul as pure consciousness). It is considered the bhutarth (real) perspective.
  - Vyavahar Naya: Represents the apparent or conventional nature of an object, often related to its association with other substances (e.g., the soul as a human). It is considered the abhutarth (unreal) perspective.
  - Understanding both is crucial for a balanced and complete understanding. Misinterpreting Vyavahar as the ultimate truth leads to worldly attachment.
- The Soul (Purusha) and its Aims (Purushartha):
  - The "Purusha" is defined as the soul, which is pure consciousness, devoid of physical attributes.
  - The true "artha" (aim or goal) of the soul is its inherent happiness. However, due to beginningless ignorance, the soul engages in actions driven by passions (vikars), becoming the doer and enjoyer of these flawed states, which is termed "viparit purusharth" (contrary aim).
  - Purushartha Siddhi (accomplishment of the aim) is achieved by attaining a state of unwavering, pure consciousness, free from passions.
- The Path to Liberation (Mokshamarga): The text unequivocally states that the path to liberation is the Ratnatraya (the trio of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct).
  - Right Faith (Samyagdarshan): It's the unwavering conviction in the truth of the soul and other principles as taught by omniscient beings. Its eight limbs, such as being fearless, uncovetous, and having unflinching faith, are detailed.
  - Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana): It's the accurate and doubt-free knowledge of the self and the universe, free from misconceptions. It also has eight aspects related to the correct understanding and application of scriptures.
  - Right Conduct (Samyakcharitra): This involves acting in accordance with Right Faith and Right Knowledge, leading to the renunciation of sinful activities.
- Non-Violence (Ahimsa) as the Core Principle: Ahimsa is presented as the central tenet, underpinning all other virtues.
  - Dravya Himsa (Gross Violence): The killing of living beings due to passions.
  - Bhava Himsa (Subtle Violence): The arising of passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which are considered the true violence. The absence of these passions is Ahimsa.
  - The text clarifies that if passions are present, even if physical harm is avoided, it is still considered violence. Conversely, if an action results in the loss of life but is performed without passion, it is not considered violence.
- The Vows (Vratas): The twelve vows undertaken by laypersons (Shravakas) are extensively discussed, including the vows against lying, stealing, and unchastity. The underlying principle for abstaining from these is the prevention of violence.
- Ethical Practices: The text emphasizes the importance of:
  - Renunciation: Detailing the abstention from intoxicants (alcohol), meat, and honey, explaining the inherent violence in each.
  - Control of Possessions (Parigraha Pariman): Defining possessions as anything causing attachment (murcha) and highlighting the internal aspects of attachment as the primary concern.
  - Night Eating Renunciation: Presented as a significant practice due to the potential for violence and attachment.
  - Special Vows (Shiksha Vratas): Including Samayika (equanimity), Proshadhopavasa (fasting), and Abhoga Upabhoga Pariman (limiting consumption).
  - Charitable Giving (Atithi Samvibhaga): Highlighting its importance for self and others, with emphasis on the qualities of the giver and the recipient.
- Sallekhana and its Distinction from Suicide: Sallekhana is described as a deliberate and spiritual preparation for death, a culmination of religious practice, and an embodiment of non-violence. It is contrasted sharply with suicide, which is viewed as an act of violence.
- Tapas (Austerities): Both external austerities (fasting, living in solitude, etc.) and internal austerities (penance, study, meditation, etc.) are discussed as means to purify the soul.
- The Role of Passion and Karma: The text clarifies that while souls are the doers of passionate states, these states are considered "karmakrit" (caused by karma) because they are not the soul's inherent nature. Attachment to these states is ignorance and the seed of transmigration.
Commentaries and Translations: The work has been historically commented upon by esteemed scholars like Pandit Todarmalji (whose commentary was completed by Pandit Daulatramji) and recently translated into Hindi by Pandit Nathuramji Premi.

In essence, Purusharth Siddhyupaya serves as a profound ethical guide, meticulously outlining the Jain path to spiritual liberation. It emphasizes the paramount importance of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, with non-violence (both gross and subtle) as the foundational principle. The text provides a detailed framework for individuals to understand and practice the virtues necessary for spiritual advancement.