Samayasara OR Nature Of Self

The provided text is the Samayasara, or The Nature of the Self, by Acharya Kunda Kunda, with an English translation and commentary based on Amritachandra's Atmakhyati. It also includes an English introduction by Prof. A. Chakravarti. The book was published by Bharatiya Jnanpith.

This work is a foundational text in Jain philosophy, aiming to elucidate the true nature of the Self (Jiva or Atman). The introduction by Prof. Chakravarti provides a broad comparative study of the concept of the Self in Western philosophy (from Greek philosophers to Hegel), Indian philosophy (Upanishads, Sankhya, Vedanta, Jainism, Buddhism), and modern science. It highlights the historical development of these ideas and the evolving scientific understanding of consciousness.

The main body of the text, the Samayasara, is structured around the core teachings of Jainism, particularly emphasizing the distinction between Vyavahara Naya (the practical, conventional point of view) and Nischaya Naya (the absolute, real point of view). This dual perspective is crucial for understanding the Jain approach to reality.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Nature of the Self (Jiva): The Samayasara's central theme is the distinction between the true, pure Self (Svasamaya or Nischaya Naya) and the empirical Self (Paramaya or Vyavahara Naya). The true Self is described as eternal, immutable, conscious (chetan), and ultimately identical with the supreme reality. The empirical Self is understood as the true Self obscured by karmic matter (pudgala) and its resulting modifications.
• Dravya and Guna: Jain metaphysics emphasizes that reality is constituted by substances (dravyas) that possess attributes (gunas). The Self (Jiva) is a substance whose intrinsic attribute is consciousness (chetana).
• Karma: The text details how karmas, which are material particles (pudgala), bind the Self. It explains the process of asrava (inflow of karma), bandha (bondage of karma), and the subsequent effects of these karmas.
• Nirjara and Moksha: The path to liberation (moksha) involves nirjara (shedding of karmas) and samvara (blocking the inflow of new karmas). This is achieved through the practice of the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels): Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
• Anekantavada: While not explicitly detailed in this summary, the broader Jain philosophical framework of Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects of reality) underlies the approach to understanding the Self and reality.
• Critique of Other Philosophies: The introduction and commentary also touch upon how Jainism differentiates itself from other philosophical systems like Vedanta (especially Sankara's Advaita) and Buddhism, particularly regarding the nature of the Self, reality, and the path to liberation. The text refutes certain interpretations that might equate the Self with external objects or reduce reality to mere momentary impressions.
• Ethical Conduct: The text emphasizes that true liberation is not achieved through mere external observances or bodily marks but through internal purity, self-control, and the steadfast practice of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

In essence, the Samayasara, as presented in this edition, is a comprehensive spiritual treatise that guides the reader towards self-realization by distinguishing the eternal, pure Self from the transient, material aspects of existence, and by outlining the path to break free from karmic bondage and attain liberation. The commentary aims to clarify the subtle philosophical points for the modern reader.