Sammaisuttam - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sammaisuttam" (also known as "Sanmati Sutra"), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sammaisuttam (Sanmati Sutra) Author: Acharya Siddhasen Divakarsuri Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Language: Prakrit (with extensive commentary and introduction in Hindi)

Overview:

The Sammaisuttam, or Sanmati Sutra, is a pivotal Jain philosophical work authored by Acharya Siddhasen Divakarsuri. It is primarily known for its profound exposition of the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada (Non-absolutism/Pluralism), which is fundamentally based on the concept of Nayavada (Theory of Standpoints). The text, comprising 167 Arya verses, is structured into three parts called Kanda. It aims to elucidate the multifaceted nature of reality, arguing that truth is multifaceted and can only be apprehended through multiple perspectives or standpoints.

Introduction (Prastavana):

The introduction highlights the parallel existence of Shraman (Jain) and Vedic traditions in ancient India, citing the mention of the first Tirthankara Rishabha in Vedic literature. It emphasizes that Jainism, rooted in rigorous asceticism and detachment, seeks the liberation of the soul from all karmic bondage. The Prakrit language of the Jain Agamas, being the vernacular of the era of the last Tirthankara Mahavira, serves as a testament to the tradition's connection to the common people and its role in depicting their culture and civilization.

The introduction asserts that Jain philosophy is empirical and realistic. It quotes scholars who describe Jain principles as logically sound and consistent with modern realism and science. Acharya Siddhasen is presented as a guiding figure in Jain logic, whose concise work, the Sanmati Sutra, secured a significant place in Indian philosophical discourse due to its philosophical depth and stylistic brilliance.

Acharya Siddhasen and His Works:

While details about Acharya Siddhasen's personal life are limited, it is generally accepted that he was born a Brahmin and later embraced Jainism due to his profound logical insights. He was a master scholar of Sanskrit, Prakrit, logic, metaphysics, grammar, astrology, and various Indian philosophical schools. His adherence to Jainism led him to a prominent position in the field of pure logic.

According to scholar Dr. Upadhye, Siddhasen was a monk of the Yapaniya Sangha, a sub-sect within the Digambara Jain tradition. Evidence suggests he was a follower of the Digambara tradition, as his work is cited in Digambara Agamic literature and refutations of his ideas by Shvetambara acharyas are noted.

The Sanmati Sutra is considered the foremost philosophical work in Prakrit on pure logic within Jain literature. Its title, Sanmati, which means "good or true intention/understanding," is also a name for Lord Mahavira in Digambara tradition, though not found in Shvetambara Agamas.

Key Philosophical Concepts in Sanmati Sutra:

Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): The core principle of the Sanmati Sutra. It posits that reality is complex and cannot be grasped from a single perspective. All views are conditionally true, dependent on the standpoint (naya) from which they are perceived.
Nayavada (Theory of Standpoints): The Sanmati Sutra elaborates on Nayavada, explaining how different Nayas (standpoints) help us understand reality. The text primarily discusses Dravyanayika Naya (Substantive Standpoint) and Paryayanayika Naya (Modal Standpoint).
- Dravyanayika Naya: Focuses on the underlying substance or essence, emphasizing permanence and generality. It views reality as unchanging in its fundamental nature.
- Paryayanayika Naya: Focuses on the modes, changes, and specific characteristics of reality, emphasizing impermanence and particularity. The text argues that both Nayas are essential for a complete understanding of reality.
Naya Prakarana (Discussion of Standpoints): The text systematically explains various Nayas, including:
- Negama Naya: The synthetic or comprehensive Naya, which considers both general and specific aspects.
- Sangraha Naya: The Naya that grasps the universal or general essence.
- Vyavahara Naya: The practical or conventional Naya, which deals with empirical reality and distinctions.
- Rijusutra Naya: The Naya that focuses on the present moment or the immediate aspect of reality.
- Shabda Naya: The Naya concerned with linguistic convention and meaning.
- Samabhirudha Naya: The Naya that considers the specific etymological and conventional meaning of words.
- Evambhuta Naya: The Naya that considers the actual state or function of an object at a particular time. The text explains how these Nayas are ultimately rooted in the two primary Nayas: Dravyanayika and Paryayanayika.
Saptabhangi (Seven-fold Predication): While not explicitly detailed in these pages, the introduction mentions its discussion. Saptabhangi is a logical system that allows for predication about an object from seven different standpoints, reflecting Anekantavada. For instance, something can be "yes," "no," "yes and no," "ineffable," "yes and ineffable," "no and ineffable," and "yes, no, and ineffable."
Ontological Principles: The text discusses fundamental ontological principles like Utpad (origination), Vyaya (cessation), and Dhrouvya (permanence), which together constitute the nature of reality.
Epistemology (Jnan and Darshan): It delves into the distinction and unity of Jnan (knowledge) and Darshan (perception/intuition). It explains how in lower stages of spiritual development, knowledge follows perception, but in the state of Kevala Jnan (Omniscience), they become indistinguishable.
Karma and Liberation: The text touches upon the nature of karma, its bondage, and the path to liberation, emphasizing the role of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
Critique of Other Philosophical Schools: The Sanmati Sutra engages in critical analysis of the views of other contemporary philosophical schools (e.g., Buddhist, Sankhya, Vaisheshika), refuting their absolutist claims from the Jain standpoint of Anekantavada.

Structure and Content:

The Sanmati Sutra is divided into three Kandas:

First Kanda: Primarily deals with Nayas and Saptabhangi.
Second Kanda: Focuses on Darshan (Perception) and Jnan (Knowledge).
Third Kanda: Discusses the identity of substance (Dravya) with its qualities and modes (Paryaya).

The text uses analogies and logical reasoning to establish its points, making complex philosophical ideas accessible. The introduction provides significant context about the author, the text's importance, its language, and its place within Jain tradition. It also includes scholarly discussions on the authenticity and dating of other works attributed to Siddhasen, clarifying that Sanmati Sutra is unequivocally his work.

Language:

The text is composed in Prakrit, specifically a form of Maharashtri Prakrit influenced by Shauraseni. The introduction provides a detailed linguistic analysis of its characteristic features.

Significance:

The Sanmati Sutra is a foundational text for understanding Jain logic and metaphysics. Its contribution to the doctrine of Anekantavada is immense, providing a systematic framework for comprehending the complex nature of reality. It has been a subject of extensive study and commentary by numerous Jain scholars throughout history, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Jain philosophical thought. The presented edition by Bharatiya Gyanpith aims to be a user-friendly resource for students and the general public.