Purusharthsiddhyupay - Book Summary

Based on the provided Hindi text, here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Purusharthsiddhyupay," focusing on its key concepts and structure as revealed in the translated pages:

Book Title: Purusharthsiddhyupay (The Means to Achieving the Goal of Human Life) Author(s): Amrutchandracharya, Munnalal Randheliya Varni (commentator) Publisher: Swadhin Granthamala Sagar Core Theme: The text is a commentary (Hindi translation with explanation) on Amrutchandracharya's original work, "Purusharthsiddhyupay." It elaborates on the Jain path to liberation (Moksha), emphasizing the principles of Nishchay (Niscaya - ultimate reality) and Vyavahar (Vyavahara - conventional reality) in achieving the ultimate goal.

Overall Structure and Content:

The book appears to be a comprehensive guide to the Jain path of liberation, structured into ten chapters, as indicated by the detailed table of contents provided. The commentary by Munnalal Randheliya Varni aims to make the profound teachings of Amrutchandracharya accessible in Hindi.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Goal of Human Life (Purusharth): The central theme revolves around the human pursuit of the ultimate goal, which in Jainism is liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. The book elucidates the means to achieve this.
Nishchay and Vyavahar (Ultimate and Conventional Reality): A recurring and crucial concept throughout the text is the integration of Nishchay and Vyavahar.
- Nishchay refers to the ultimate truth of the soul's inherent purity, omnipotence, and oneness, free from all karmic impurities. This is the soul's true nature.
- Vyavahar refers to the conventional reality, the practical steps and observances that one undertakes while living in the world, which are necessary for spiritual progress. The text emphasizes that understanding the interplay and coherence between these two perspectives is vital for spiritual upliftment.
The Importance of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Ratnatraya): The commentary deeply explores the three jewels of Jainism:
- Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): This is presented as the foundational step, involving firm conviction in the true nature of the soul and the Jain teachings, free from misconceptions (mithyatva). The text details the eight essential components (angas) of Samyak Darshan, differentiating between their ultimate (Nishchay) and conventional (Vyavahar) aspects.
- Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): This involves understanding the true nature of reality, including the soul, non-soul, bondage, liberation, etc., free from doubt, error, and incomplete knowledge.
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): This is the practical implementation of right faith and knowledge, involving the practice of vows, restraints, and ascetic disciplines. The text delves into the five vows (Pancha Anuvrata), their classifications, and the associated ethical principles.
Classification of Conduct: The text distinguishes between:
- Sakal Charitra (Complete Conduct): Practiced by monks (munis), involving the absolute cessation of all worldly activities and the practice of strict austerities.
- Desh Charitra (Partial Conduct): Practiced by householders (shravakas), involving the partial restraint of worldly activities and the observance of vows (Anuvrata).
The Nature of the Soul: The soul (Jiva) is described as distinct from the non-soul (Ajiva), characterized by consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, and is inherently pure and powerful. It is inherently free from bondage, but karmic influx (asrava) and bondage (bandha) obscure its true nature.
Karmas and Liberation: The book touches upon the concept of karma and its role in bondage. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved by eradicating all karmas through the practice of Ratnatraya.
Ethical Principles and Practices: The text details various ethical injunctions and practices, including:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Emphasized as the supreme principle, covering violence in thought, word, and deed, and encompassing the five great vows (Mahavrata) for monks and the five lesser vows (Anuvrata) for householders. The text elaborates on various forms of violence and their avoidance.
- The Eight Sets of Auspicious Conduct (Ashta Mula Guna): These are essential practices for Jain householders, particularly the avoidance of certain foods and actions that involve violence.
- The Twelve Vows (Dwaadasha Vrata): These are further elaborations of the five vows, including three Gunavrata (subsidiary vows) and four Shiksha Vrata (disciplinary vows). The text details the characteristics and importance of these vows.
- The Eleven Stages of Spiritual Progress (Pratima): These represent the progressive stages of spiritual discipline for householders in their path towards monasticism.
- The Importance of Discipline and Austerities (Tapa): Both external and internal austerities are discussed as crucial for spiritual purification and progress.
The Role of Gurus and Scriptures: The text implicitly highlights the importance of enlightened Gurus (gurus) and scriptures (Agamas) in understanding the true nature of reality and the path to liberation.

Commentary's Approach (Munnalal Randheliya Varni):

The commentator emphasizes the difficulty of the subject matter and his own efforts to explain it. He mentions the lack of readily available Sanskrit or Hindi commentaries for some sections, indicating the challenging nature of the original text and his dedication to providing a clear exposition. He expresses gratitude to his gurus and colleagues for their support. He also notes that while the language might seem archaic due to the lack of full modernization in Hindi, the core meaning and essence of the teachings are preserved.

Chapter Breakdown (from Table of Contents):

Chapter 1: The Nature of the Soul (Jiva Tattva): Discusses the unique characteristics of the soul, its bondage, the cause of existence (misconception), the path to liberation, and the qualifications for achieving liberation.
Chapter 2: The Role of the Seeker and the Path of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct: Covers the stages of the spiritual path, the importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) and its types, Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Chapter 3: The Vows of a Householder (Shravaka Dharma): Focuses on the lesser vows (Anuvrata) observed by householders, their distinction from monastic vows (Mahavrata), and the prohibition of violence in other sects.
Chapter 4: The Eight Fundamental Practices (Ashta Mulaguna): Details the eight essential practices for householders, including discussions on the interpretation of certain rules.
Chapter 5: The Five Great Vows (Pancha Maha Vrata): Elucidates the five major vows, emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa) and detailing the nature and types of violence, falsehood, theft, celibacy (Kushil), and possession (Parigraha).
Chapter 6: The Seven Restraints (Sapta Shila): Explains the three Gunavrata (qualitative vows) and four Shiksha Vrata (disciplinary vows) for householders.
Chapter 7: The Practice of Sallekhana: Describes the spiritual preparation for death through fasting and contemplation, emphasizing it as a spiritual practice, not suicide.
Chapter 8: The Transgressions (Atichara): Details the transgressions associated with Right Faith, the twelve vows, and Sallekhana.
Chapter 9: The Complete Ascetic (Sakal Dharin): Discusses the practices and disciplines of monks, including the six essential duties (Shad Avashyaka), three restraints (Gupti), five careful movements (Samiti), ten virtues (Dharma), twelve reflections (Anupreksha), twenty-two hardships (Parishaha), and their characteristics.
Chapter 10: The Final Conclusion: Summarizes the path to liberation, the qualifications for achieving it, and the interconnectedness of karma, bondage, and liberation, ultimately reinforcing the principles of Syadvada and the multifaceted nature of reality.

Overall Significance:

"Purusharthsiddhyupay" is a foundational text in Jain philosophy, providing a systematic and detailed explanation of the path to liberation. The commentary aims to make these teachings accessible and comprehensible, covering the philosophical underpinnings, ethical guidelines, and practical aspects of the Jain spiritual journey. The emphasis on Nishchay and Vyavahar reflects the Jain approach to understanding reality from both ultimate and conventional perspectives.