Purusharthsiddhyupay Hindi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Purusharthasiddhiupaya" by Acharya Amritchandra, with commentary by Pt. Makkhanlal Shastri 'Tilak':

This work is a foundational Jain scripture that expounds upon the means to achieve the fourfold human pursuits (Purusharthas): Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation). The primary focus of the book is to guide the soul towards Moksha, which is considered the ultimate Purushartha.

The text, originally authored by the esteemed Jain scholar Acharya Amritchandra, is presented here with a detailed Hindi commentary by Pandit Makkhanlal Shastri 'Tilak'. The publication is dedicated to Acharya Shri Vimal Sagarji Maharaj on the occasion of his "Sanmarga Divakar Mahotsav," highlighting the importance of preserving and disseminating ancient Jain scriptures.

Key Themes and Content:

• The Nature of Reality and Knowledge: The book delves into the Jain understanding of reality, emphasizing the doctrine of Anekanta (non-absolutism) and Syadvada (conditional predication) as the correct path to understanding the multifaceted nature of things. It critiques Ekaantavada (absolutism), particularly in its tendency to distort the original meanings of scriptures.
• The Importance of Right Knowledge: The text stresses the paramount importance of Samyak Gyan (right knowledge) as the seed for Keval Gyan (omniscience). It criticizes the modern tendency to prioritize worldly knowledge and degrees over true spiritual understanding.
• The Four Purusharthas: It explains the four human pursuits, clarifying that while Dharma, Artha, and Kama are pursued in worldly life, Moksha is the ultimate goal achievable through dedicated spiritual practice.
• The Role of Nayas (Perspectives): The book extensively discusses the concept of Nayas, particularly Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth perspective) and Vyavahara Naya (conventional/practical truth perspective). It asserts that both are essential for a complete understanding of reality and that one should not be discarded for the other. Understanding the interplay between these perspectives is crucial for avoiding misunderstandings and for progressing on the spiritual path.
• The Path to Moksha: The text outlines the steps towards liberation, which begins with Samyak Darshan (right faith), followed by Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), and culminates in Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
• The Nature of the Soul (Purusha): It describes the soul as pure consciousness (Chidatma), free from physical attributes like touch, taste, smell, and color. The soul is the doer and enjoyer of its own actions.
• The Role of Acharyas and Scriptures: The book emphasizes that the scriptures are the true guide, based on the pronouncements of omniscient beings and transmitted through generations of enlightened Acharyas. It highlights the tradition of commentaries and the importance of studying the works of great masters like Acharya Kundakunda and Acharya Amritchandra.
• Ethical Conduct (Achara): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing the principles of ethical conduct for both ascetics (Munis) and householders (Shravakas). This includes:
  • The Nature of Violence (Himsa): It provides an expansive definition of violence, extending it to mental and verbal harm, and to the destruction of subtle souls (nigoda). It details various forms of violence, including Sankalpini (intentional violence), Virodhini (violence in self-defense), Arambhini (violence through occupations), and Udyogini (violence through livelihood).
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the core principle, achieved by abstaining from violent thoughts, words, and actions, and by practicing compassion.
  • The Eightfold Path for Householders (Ashta Mulguna): It describes the essential practices for householders, including the prohibition of intoxicants (madyam), meat (mamsam), honey (kṣaudram), and the five udumbara fruits (which are prone to harboring many lives).
  • The Yamas and Niyamas (Vows and Disciplines): It discusses the vows (vratas) and vows for householders (shilas), including their subdivisions and the aticharyas (minor transgressions) that can occur. This covers details on Digvrata (restraint on directions), Deshavrata (restraint on place/time), and Anarthadanda vrata (abstaining from useless or harmful activities).
  • The Six Essential Duties (Shat Avashyaka): These are elaborated upon: Samayika (equanimity/meditation), Stavana (praise/adoration), Vandana (obeisance), Pratikramana (confession/repentance), Pratyakhyana (renunciation), and Kayotsarga (abandoning the body).
  • The Twelve Reflections (Dwadasha Anupreksha): These are contemplation on the impermanence of the world, the singularity of the soul, the impurity of the body, the influx of karma, the cycle of birth, the nature of the world, the order of reality, the refuge in the three jewels (faith, knowledge, conduct), the principles of Samvara (checking the influx of karma), and Nirjara (shedding karma).
  • The Five Forms of Vowful Conduct (Pancha Samiti): These are explained as right movement (iryasamiti), right speech (bhashasamiti), right eating (eshana samiti), right collection and placement (adana-nikshepana samiti), and right excretion (vyutsarga samiti).
  • The Ten Virtues (Dasha Dharma): These are listed as patience (Kshama), humility (Mardava), straightforwardness (Arjava), purity (Saucha), truthfulness (Satya), non-possession (Akinchanya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), renunciation (Tyaga), austerity (Tapas), and self-restraint (Sanyama).
  • The Importance of Samyak Darshan: The text emphasizes that Samyak Darshan is the bedrock for right knowledge and right conduct. Without it, all other practices are ineffective or even harmful.
  • The Nature of Aticharyas: It details the transgressions that can weaken vows and practices, emphasizing the need to be vigilant against them.
• Critique of Other Philosophies: The commentary often implicitly or explicitly contrasts Jain principles with other philosophical systems, highlighting the unique contribution of Anekanta and Syadvada in resolving apparent contradictions.

Commentary's Contribution: Pandit Makkhanlal Shastri 'Tilak's commentary, "Bhavya Prabodhini," is crucial in making the intricate philosophical concepts of Acharya Amritchandra accessible to a wider audience. The commentary provides:

• Detailed Explanations: It clarifies complex Sanskrit terminology and philosophical arguments.
• Contextualization: It places the teachings within the broader framework of Jain philosophy and tradition.
• Practical Guidance: While philosophical, the commentary helps in understanding the practical application of these principles in daily life.
• Elaboration on Nuances: It explains the subtle distinctions, especially concerning Nayas and the stages of spiritual progress.

In essence, Purusharthasiddhiupaya is a comprehensive guide for the Jain soul, offering a clear and rational path towards self-realization and liberation by meticulously explaining the principles of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, all rooted in the profound philosophy of Anekanta. The commentary by Pt. Makkhanlal Shastri makes this profound wisdom accessible for contemplation and practice.