Saman Suttam - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Saman Suttam" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Saman Suttam Author(s): Compiled by Sri Jinendra Varni, Edited by Prof. Sagarmal Jain, Translated by Justice T.K. Tukol & Dr. K.K. Dixit. Publisher: Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan, Rajghat, Varanasi - 221001 (U.P.) India Publication Date: First Edition, April 5, 1993 (Mahavir Jayanti)

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Saman Suttam" is presented as a monumental and comprehensive compilation of the essence of Jain teachings. It is described as an "eternal source of divine spiritual teachings" and a culmination of exhaustive knowledge and dedicated effort. The work was inspired by Acharya Vinobaji, who envisioned bringing together the core principles of Jainism in a format accessible to all, similar to how the Bhagavad Gita represents the essence of Vedic religion and the Dhammapada represents Buddhism. A significant aspect of its creation was the unanimous approval and cooperation received from Acharyas and monks representing all Jain sects, making it a unique and unifying work.

Genesis and Development:

The text originated from Acharya Vinobaji's desire to have a concise representation of Jain philosophy. Sri Jinendra Varni undertook the initial compilation, which was initially published as "Jainadharma Sara." It then evolved into "Jinadhamma" with further contributions from monks and scholars. Finally, a pivotal assembly held in Delhi on November 29-30, 1974, attended by representatives of all Jain sects, shaped "Saman Suttam" into its current form. This assembly is highlighted as a significant historical event for Jainism.

Core Principles and Content:

"Saman Suttam" aims to provide an all-sided and brief exposition of Jain religion, philosophy, and ethical conduct. It is structured into four parts, containing 44 sections and a total of 756 verses in Prakrit, suitable for recitation.

Part 1: Source of Illumination (Jyotirmukha): This section focuses on guiding individuals towards an internal spiritual life by transcending mundane existence. It emphasizes understanding the futility of sensual enjoyment, the causes of suffering, birth, and death, and developing detachment. Key themes include subduing attachment and hatred, cultivating virtues like forgiveness and compassion, restraining passions, controlling senses, and recognizing all living beings as oneself.
Part 2: Path of Liberation (Moksha Marga): This part details the path to spiritual liberation. It highlights the importance of the "Three Jewels" – Right Faith (Samyag Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyag Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyag Charitra) – as the means to salvation. It explains the journey of the soul towards purification, detachment, and ultimate liberation, culminating in the state of an Arhat or Siddha.
Part 3: Metaphysics (Tattva Darshana): This section delves into fundamental Jain principles, including the nature of the soul, non-soul, and the theory of creation. It outlines the six substances (Jiva, Ajiva, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala) and explains their properties and interactions. The text stresses that the world is eternal and self-regulated, with no external creator.
Part 4: Theory of Relativity (Syadvada): This part introduces Syadvada, the doctrine of conditional statements, and Anekanta, the principle of non-absolutism. It explains how these doctrines are fundamental to Jain logic, promoting harmony and conflict resolution by acknowledging an element of truth in every statement and perspective. The text explores various Nayas (view-points) and Pramanas (valid means of knowledge) used in Jain philosophy.

Key Jain Concepts Emphasized:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the foundation of Jain ethics, inextricably linked to the attitude of having multiple points of view. It emphasizes that violence or non-violence is dependent on mental state, not just the act itself.
Anekanta (Many-sidedness): A core principle of Jain logic and philosophy, encouraging understanding from multiple perspectives to foster harmony and resolve conflicts. It's seen as the tangible form of Ahimsa in the world of thought.
Conquest of Attachment and Realization: The ultimate aim of Jainism, achieved through the harmonious accomplishment of the Three Jewels.
The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct are presented as the essential path to liberation, both from practical (Vyavahara) and real (Niscaya) standpoints.
Dharma (Religion): Defined in multiple ways, including the essential nature of a thing, the ten virtues (forgiveness, humility, etc.), the Three Jewels, and the protection of living beings.
Karma: The text explains the eight types of karma and their nature, emphasizing that karma binds the soul and influences its future births.
Leśyā: The six soul-colourings (black, blue, grey, yellow, lotus-colored, white) are described, with the inauspicious leśyās leading to unhappy states and auspicious ones to happy states.
Guṇasthānas (Spiritual Stages): The text outlines the fourteen stages of spiritual progress, from false belief to omniscience and liberation.
Samitis and Guptis: The five acts of carefulness (Samitis) and three controls (Guptis) are presented as essential practices for monks to prevent karmic influx and maintain purity.
Tapas (Penance): Both external (fasting, eating less, etc.) and internal (atonement, humility, study, meditation) penances are detailed as crucial for spiritual advancement and karma annihilation.
Dhyana (Meditation): Highlighted as a vital practice for monks, essential for achieving self-control, knowledge, and ultimately liberation.
Sallekhana: The practice of ritualistic fasting unto death, undertaken with a calm and controlled mind, is described as a means to destroy the roots of rebirth and achieve a passionless death.
Vows (Vratas): The text discusses the five Great Vows (Mahavratas) and the vows of householders (Śrāvaka), emphasizing their importance for ethical conduct and spiritual progress.

Inspiration and Reception:

The book received significant inspiration from Acharya Vinobaji and had the wholehearted cooperation of numerous Jain Acharyas and monks. The English translation was a deliberate effort to make this essential Jain text accessible to a wider audience, particularly in North America, where its publication coincided with the initiation of a new Jain temple project. The publisher, Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan, expresses gratitude to the translators, editors, and donors, and appeals to readers to provide feedback for future editions.

In essence, "Saman Suttam" is a foundational text that encapsulates the core spiritual and ethical teachings of Jainism, offering a guide for individuals seeking self-realization and liberation through Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.