Samadhitantram

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samadhitantram" based on the provided pages:

Title: Samadhitantram (समाधितंत्रम्) Author: Acharya Devnandi (Shrimad Devnandiparanaam-pujyapadaacharya) Commentary: Sanskrit commentary by Acharya Prabhachandra Editor: Pandit Jugalkishor Mukhtar 'Yugveer' Translator: Pandit Parmanand Shastri Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Anekant Vidwat Parishad

Introduction and Author's Background:

• Acharya Pujyapada Devnandi is a highly respected and influential scholar in both the Digambara and Shvetambara Jain traditions, as well as in Indian tradition overall.
• The title "Pujyapada" is an honorific, meaning "one whose feet are worshipped," a term used by many scholars for their esteemed predecessors. His original name was Devnandi.
• He was a highly talented scholar, a great poet, a renowned grammarian, and a profound philosopher and spiritualist. His literary works have influenced various schools of Jainism.
• His contributions extended beyond spiritual and philosophical texts to include works on grammar (Jainendra Vyakarana) and possibly medical science (shareerashastra).
• His works like "Samadhitantram" and "Ishtopadesham" are considered guideposts for humanity, especially in today's stressful times. "Samadhitantram" is seen as a direct connection to the yogic tradition of Tirthankara Mahavira.
• His life is documented in works like Chandrakavi's "Pujyapada Charita" and Devchandra's "Rajavali." Inscriptions at Shravanabelagola also mention him.
• Originally named Devnandi, he was also called Jimendrabuddhi due to his sharp intellect and Pujyapada because he was revered by gods.
• Born in a Brahmin family in Karnataka, his father's name was Madhavabhatta and his mother's name was Sridevi. He later took Digambara initiation.
• His time is generally placed in the 6th century CE, as his name appears in mentions from the mid-6th century. He is known to have written the "Sarvartha Siddhi" commentary on Umaswami's "Tattvartha Sutra," considered the first major commentary in the Digambara tradition. Bhatta Akalankadeva references his "Jainendra Vyakarana," placing Pujyapada Devnandi before Akalankadeva.

Key Works Attributed to Pujyapada Devnandi:

1. Janmabhisheka: Mentioned in Shravanabelagola inscriptions.
2. Dashabhakti: Eloquent devotional works.
3. Tattvartha Vritti (Sarvartha Siddhi): A significant commentary on Tattvartha Sutra.
4. Samadhitantram (Samadhishtaka): A spiritual text with 105 verses, also known as Samadhishtaka.
5. Ishtopadesham: A text on self-realization with 51 verses.
6. Jainendra Vyakarana: A seminal work on grammar, with different recensions.
7. Siddhapriya Stotra: A hymn praising the 24 Tirthankaras.
8. Jainendra and Shadavtar Nyas: Mentioned in inscriptions but not currently available.
9. Shantyashtakam: Its authorship is debated.
10. Sarvasangraha: Mentioned in the Dhavala commentary.
11. Medical Text: Mentioned in Gyanarnava.

Core Teachings of Samadhitantram (Based on the Table of Contents):

The text systematically guides the seeker towards spiritual liberation (moksha) by distinguishing between different states of the soul and outlining the path to transcendence. Key themes include:

• The Three States of the Soul:

  • Bahiratman (Outer Soul): Characterized by identification with the body and external world, driven by ignorance and attachment.
  • Antaratman (Inner Soul): One who has begun to distinguish the soul from the external, characterized by right faith, knowledge, and conduct, though still subject to some worldly engagements.
  • Paramatman (Supreme Soul): The liberated soul, free from all impurities and afflictions, residing in its pure, blissful, and omniscient state.

• The Path to Liberation:

  • Distinguishing the Self: Understanding the soul (Atman) as distinct from the body, speech, and mind (manas).
  • Renunciation and Acceptance: Renouncing external attachments and afflictions (like anger, pride, deceit, greed) and accepting the true nature of the soul.
  • Control of the Senses: Restraining the senses from engaging with external objects.
  • Meditation and Contemplation: Focusing the mind on the true nature of the soul, leading to self-realization.
  • Overcoming Ignorance (Avidya): The primary cause of suffering is ignorance, which leads to identification with the non-soul. Overcoming this ignorance through right knowledge is crucial.
  • The Nature of the Soul: The soul is eternal, pure consciousness, knowledge, and bliss, beyond physical attributes, gender, or number.
  • Detachment: Developing detachment from worldly possessions, relationships, and even the physical body.
  • The Role of Practice: Consistent spiritual practice (dhyana, tapas) is necessary to overcome ingrained habits and achieve liberation.
  • Critique of External Practices: Mere adherence to external rituals, castes (like Brahmin), or ascetic practices (like nudity, matted hair) without true self-knowledge does not lead to liberation.
  • The True Guru: The soul itself is the ultimate guru, guiding itself towards liberation through self-realization.

• Key Concepts:

  • Nirvana (Moksha): The ultimate goal, the state of perfect bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
  • Karma: The actions and their consequences that bind the soul to the cycle of existence.
  • Samadhi: Mental concentration and equipoise, essential for spiritual progress.
  • Vichara (Contemplation): Deep introspection into the nature of the self.
  • Vipaksha (Opposite): Understanding the opposite of what is commonly perceived (e.g., the body is not the soul).
  • Nirgrantha: A fully liberated soul, free from all attachments.

Structure of the Text:

The "Samadhitantram" progresses through a logical discourse:

1. Invocation and Introduction: Paying homage to the liberated soul and stating the purpose of the text.
2. Defining the Self: Differentiating between the Bahiratman, Antaratman, and Paramatman.
3. The Cause of Suffering: Identifying ignorance and attachment to the body and external world as the root cause.
4. The Path: Detailing practices like sense control, meditation, right knowledge, and detachment.
5. The Nature of the Soul: Describing the soul as pure consciousness, bliss, and eternal.
6. The Goal: Explaining the state of liberation and the experience of the Paramatman.
7. Concluding Blessings: Offering well wishes for the reader's spiritual upliftment.

In essence, "Samadhitantram" is a profound spiritual treatise that systematically guides the aspirant through the stages of self-awareness, detachment, and concentration to achieve the ultimate state of liberation, emphasizing the soul's inherent purity and the power of self-realization.