Sabhasyatattvarthadhigamsutra
Added to library: September 2, 2025

Summary
Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sabhasyatattvarthadhigamsutra" based on the provided pages:
Book Title: Sabhasyatattvarthadhigamsutra (with Hindi translation and commentary) Author(s): Umaswati (also known as Umaswami), with commentary by Pt. Khubchand Siddhantashastri. Pt. Gopal Dasji Varaiya is also mentioned as a teacher of Khubchand Shastri. Publisher: Paramshrut Prabhavak Mandal, Shrimad Rajchandra Jain Shastramala, Agas. Publication Details: Published by Seth Manilal, Revashankar Jagjivan Johri, Honorary Manager of Shri Paramshrut Prabhavak Jain Mandal. Printed by S.V. Parulekar, Bombay Vaibhav Press. Published in Veer Nirvana Samvat 2458 Vikram Samvat 1989, Year 1932.
Overall Purpose: The text, "Sabhasyatattvarthadhigamsutra," is identified as a commentary (Bhashya) on the "Tattvarthadhigama Sutra." The publisher's note indicates that this Hindi commentary aims to provide a detailed explanation of the original Tattvartha Sutra, drawing upon the profound insights of major commentaries from both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions, and presenting the concepts in a modern Hindi style. The book is considered valuable and important for both Jain traditions.
Key Themes and Structure (Based on Table of Contents and Prefatory Material):
The work is structured into ten chapters (Adhyayas), covering the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy. The preface highlights the ecumenical nature of the text, being respected by both Digambara and Shvetambara sects. The commentary is intended to be comprehensive, making the profound teachings accessible in Hindi.
Summary of Chapters (Based on the Table of Contents):
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Chapter 1 (Prathamo Adhyaya): Focuses on the nature of Tattva (Reality/Principles).
- Explains the difference between Digambara and Shvetambara scriptural versions.
- Discusses the nature of Samyagdarshan (Right Faith) - its definition, origin, and characteristics.
- Delves into the nature of Jnana (Knowledge) and Pramana (Means of Valid Knowledge), including Prakshya (Indefinite Knowledge) and Pratyaksha (Direct Perception) and their various types (e.g., Mati Jnana, Shruta Jnana).
- Explains the principles of Naya (Standpoints) and their types (e.g., Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Riju-sutra, Shabda).
- Covers the nature of Shruta Jnana (Scriptural Knowledge) and its distinction from Mati Jnana.
- Introduces Avadhi Jnana ( Clairvoyant Knowledge) and Manahparyaya Jnana (Telepathic Knowledge) and their types.
- Discusses Kevala Jnana (Omniscience).
- The chapter concludes by summarizing the first chapter's content.
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Chapter 2 (Dwitiyo Adhyaya): Focuses on the Jiva Tattva (Soul Principle).
- Details the nature of the soul, its fundamental characteristics, and its manifestations through Bhava (States) like Aupashamika, Kshāyika, Kshayopashamika, Audayika, and Pārināmika.
- Explains the concept of Upayoga (Consciousness/Application) as the soul's essential nature.
- Discusses Indriya (Sense Organs) - their types, functions, and subjects.
- Covers Yoga (Activity) and its role in bondage.
- Explains the process of Gati (Transmigration) and Bandha (Bondage).
- Details the nature of the five Shariras (Bodies) - Audarika, Vaikriyaka, Āhāraka, Taijasa, and Kārnana.
- Discusses Linga (Gender) and the nature of Jeevanikaya (Life-forms).
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Chapter 3 (Tritiyo Adhyaya): Focuses on the Ajiva Tattva (Non-soul Principles) and the Loka (Cosmos).
- Describes the structure of Adho Loka (Lower World) - the seven hellish realms (Naraka) and the nature of their inhabitants (Narakas).
- Details the nature of Tiryag Loka (Middle World) - the arrangement of continents (Dvipa) and oceans (Samudra), including Jambu Dvipa and its subdivisions.
- Discusses the nature of Manushya Loka (Human World) - its inhabitants and their lifespan.
- Describes the cosmic structure, including mountains (Kulachal), islands (Dvipa), and oceans (Samudra).
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Chapter 4 (Chaturtho Adhyaya): Focuses on the Ajiva Tattva (Non-soul Principles) - specifically Deva (Deities) and Jyotishka (Celestial Bodies).
- Classifies Deva into four Nikaya (Categories): Bhavanvasi, Vyantara, Jyotishka, and Vaimānika.
- Details the subdivisions and characteristics of each category.
- Discusses the nature of Jyotishka bodies (Sun, Moon, planets, stars) and their role in measuring time.
- Explains the different types of Vaimānika deities, their celestial mansions (Kalpa), and their lifespan.
- Introduces Laukantika deities.
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Chapter 5 (Panchamo Adhyaya): Focuses on the remaining Ajiva Tattva (Non-soul Principles) - Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgala, and Kala.
- Explains the nature and characteristics of Dharma (Medium of Motion), Adharma (Medium of Rest), and Akasha (Space).
- Details the nature of Pudgala (Matter) - its forms (Anu - atom, Skandha - aggregate), properties, and transformations.
- Explains the nature of Kala (Time) - its role in change and its perception.
- Discusses the fundamental principles of Dravya (Substance) and Paryaya (Modification).
- Explains the concept of Saptabhangi (Seven-fold Predication) and Anekantha (Non-absolutism).
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Chapter 6 (Shashtho Adhyaya): Focuses on Asrava Tattva (Inflow of Karma).
- Explains Yoga (Activity of Mind, Speech, and Body) as the cause of Asrava.
- Details the types of Yoga - Shubha (Auspicious) and Ashubha (Inauspicious).
- Discusses the specific causes for the inflow of different types of Karma (e.g., Namakarma, Vedaniya karma, Ayush karma, etc.) driven by passions (Kashaya) and activities (Yoga).
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Chapter 7 (Saptamo Adhyaya): Focuses on Samvara Tattva (Cessation of Karma Inflow) and Vrata (Vows).
- Explains the nature of Vrata (Vows) - the five Maha-vrata (Great Vows) for monks and five Anu-vrata (Minor Vows) for laity.
- Discusses the Sheelas (Subsidiary Vows).
- Details the Atichara (Transgressions) of each Vrata and Sheela.
- Explains the importance of Samiti (Carefulness in Conduct) and Gupti (Control of Mind, Speech, and Body).
- Introduces Dharma (Virtues) and Anupreksha (Meditations).
- Covers Parishaha Jayan (Control of Hardships) and Tapas (Austerities).
- Explains the nature of Samyama (Self-restraint).
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Chapter 8 (Ashtamo Adhyaya): Focuses on Bandha Tattva (Bondage of Karma).
- Details the causes of Bandha: Mithyadarshan (False Faith), Avirati (Non-restraint), Pramada (Heedlessness), Kashaya (Passions), and Yoga (Activities).
- Explains the fourfold types of Bandha: Prakriti (Type), Sthiti (Duration), Anubhaga (Intensity), and Pradesha (Quantity).
- Lists the various types of Karma (Jnana-varaniya, Darshana-varaniya, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gatra, Antaraya) and their subdivisions.
- Differentiates between Punya (Meritorious) and Papa (Demeritorious) Karma.
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Chapter 9 (Navamo Adhyaya): Focuses on Samvara Tattva (Cessation of Karma) and Nirjara Tattva (Shedding of Karma).
- Reiterates the role of Gupti (Control) and Samiti (Carefulness) in Samvara.
- Explains Dharma (Virtues) and their ten types (Kshama, Mardava, Arjava, Shaucha, Satya, Samyama, Tapa, Tyaga, Akīñchanya, Brahmacharya).
- Details Tapa (Austerities) - its types (Bahya - external, Antaranga - internal) and subdivisions.
- Discusses Parishaha (Hardships) and the twenty-two types.
- Explains Dhyana (Meditation) - its types (Ārta, Raudra, Dharma, Shukla) and their spiritual significance.
- Explains the process of Nirjara (Shedding Karma).
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Chapter 10 (Dashamo Adhyaya): Focuses on Moksha Tattva (Liberation).
- Explains the nature of Moksha.
- Discusses the causes of Moksha - the complete annihilation of Karma.
- Explains the state of the liberated soul (Siddha).
- Details the attainments of the liberated soul, such as Kevala Jnana (Omniscience), Kevala Darshan (Omni-perception), and Ananta Chatushtaya (Four Infinite Qualities).
- Describes the Riddhis (Supernatural Powers).
- Concludes with the essence of the text and its importance.
Key Features Highlighted:
- Commentarial Nature: The text is a detailed commentary on the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, aiming to elucidate its principles.
- Bilingual (with Hindi Translation): The book includes the original text (presumably in Sanskrit) and a Hindi translation and commentary.
- Comprehensive Scope: It covers all the fundamental principles of Jainism as outlined in the Tattvartha Sutra, providing explanations for each Tattva.
- Scholarly Approach: The commentary is attributed to a learned scholar, Pt. Khubchand Siddhantashastri, who was a disciple of Pt. Gopal Dasji Varaiya, indicating a rigorous and traditional approach to explaining the Jain Agamas.
- Accessibility: The aim is to make profound philosophical concepts understandable in modern Hindi.
- Ecumenciality: The text is presented as being respected by both major Jain traditions (Digambara and Shvetambara), suggesting an effort to synthesize or present common ground.
- Historical Context: The publication date (1932) places it in a period when efforts were being made to revive and disseminate Jain scriptures in vernacular languages.
In essence, this work is a significant Jain philosophical treatise that provides a detailed and accessible explanation of core Jain doctrines, serving as a guide for both study and practice within the Jain tradition.