Sanmati Tarka

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanmati Tarka," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sanmati Tarka Author: Siddhasena Divakar (with commentaries by Abhayadeva) Publisher: Jain Shwetambar Education Board, Paydhoni, Mumbai (First Edition 1939)

Overview:

"Sanmati Tarka" (also referred to as "Sanmati Prakarana") is a pivotal Jain philosophical and logical work attributed to the esteemed Jain Ācārya Siddhasena Divākara. This English summary is based on an edition that includes a critical introduction and an original commentary by Pandits Sukhlalji Sanghavi and Bechardas Doshi, translated and edited by Prof. A.B. Athavale, Prof. A.S. Gopani, and Pt. Dalsukh Malvania. The text focuses on the core Jain doctrine of Anekāntavāda (the doctrine of manifold aspects), aiming to systematically expound, analyze, and establish its validity within the broader landscape of Indian philosophy.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Sanmati Tarka" and its commentary delve into several crucial areas of Jain thought:

1. The Life and Times of Siddhasena Divākara:

   • Dating Siddhasena: The introduction meticulously discusses the challenges in pinpointing Siddhasena's exact date, reviewing evidence from his own works, Jain traditions, and references in the writings of other established Ācāryas. While acknowledging conflicting opinions, it leans towards placing him in the 5th century of the Vikrama era (circa 4th-5th century CE), citing evidence from the Nisiitha Curni and the influential presence of his work.
   • Biographical Anecdotes: The text provides a detailed summary of Siddhasena's life based on various Prabandhas (semi-historical anecdotes). These include his philosophical debates, his supposed miraculous powers (like creating horses), his interactions with King Vikramaditya, his discipleship under Vrddhavādi, his penance, and his eventual recognition as "Divākara" (the Sun) for dispelling the darkness of ignorance. It also touches upon the controversial aspect of his contemplation to translate Jain scriptures into Sanskrit, which was viewed as a sin by the Sangha.
   • Influence and Legacy: The introduction highlights Siddhasena's profound influence on subsequent Jain scholars like Haribhadra, Akalanka, Vidyānanda, Hemacandra, and Yaśovijayaji, who drew heavily from his logical arguments and philosophical insights.

2. The Doctrine of Anekāntavāda:

   • Core Concept: "Sanmati Tarka" is primarily dedicated to the systematic exposition and defense of Anekāntavāda, considered the lifeblood of Jain philosophy. The text defines Anekānta as the principle of examining a subject from every possible viewpoint.
   • Nayas (Viewpoints): The text elaborates on the crucial role of Nayas in understanding Anekānta. It identifies two fundamental Nayas:
     • Dravyāstika Naya: The noumenal viewpoint, concerned with the underlying substance, unity, and eternal nature of things. It is represented by Sangraha (generalization) and Vyavahāra (limited generalization).
     • Paryāyāstika Naya: The phenomenal viewpoint, concerned with modifications, differences, and the changing aspects of things. It includes Rjusūtra (concerned with the present moment), Śabda (word-based), Samabhirūḍha (etymologically distinguished), and Evambhūta (distinguishing by function).
   • Interrelation and Overlap: The text emphasizes that these Nayas are not mutually exclusive but overlap. Pure Dravyāstika focuses solely on "Asti" (it is), while other statements dealing with specifics fall under both Dravyāstika and Paryāyāstika. The ultimate truth is achieved when these Nayas are synthesized.
   • Critique of Ekāntavāda: "Sanmati Tarka" vigorously critiques Ekāntavāda (monism or absolutism), which adheres to only one viewpoint. It demonstrates how such one-sided views lead to fallacies and an incomplete understanding of reality. The text argues that Ekāntavāda fails to account for the complexities of worldly existence, bondage, liberation, and the nature of the soul.
   • Sapta-bhangi: The text explains the Sapta-bhangi (the sevenfold logic or heptagonal analysis) as a practical application of Anekāntavāda. It shows how a single entity can be described in seven ways (e.g., is, is not, is indescribable, is and is not, is and is indescribable, is not and is indescribable, is and is not and is indescribable) by considering different Nayas and their interrelations.

3. The Commentary of Abhayadeva:

   • Identity and Dating: The introduction confirms the identity of the commentator Abhayadeva with the renowned logician from the Candra-Gaccha school, placing him roughly between the latter half of the 10th and the first half of the 11th century CE.
   • Scope and Significance: Abhayadeva's commentary, known as "Tattva-Bodha-Vidhāyinī" or "Vāda-Mahārņava" (an ocean of arguments), is a monumental work that elaborates extensively on the philosophical doctrines of various contemporary Indian systems (Vedic, Bauddha, Sānkhya, Nyāya, Vaiseṣika) to support and clarify the Jain doctrine of Anekānta. It is praised for its scholarly depth, extensive quotations, and lucid Sanskrit prose.

4. The Dwātrimśikās of Siddhasena:

   • Nature and Content: The text also discusses Siddhasena's Dwātrimśikās (works of 32 verses, though variations exist). These are categorized as eulogistic, critical, and philosophical. They reveal Siddhasena's poetic genius, his critical engagement with rival philosophies (Mimāṁsā, Vedanta, Buddhism, Sānkhya, Nyāya, Vaiseṣika), and his rational devotion to Mahāvīra.
   • Comparison with Other Works: The Dwātrimśikās are compared to classical Sanskrit poetry and philosophical treatises, highlighting similarities in style, meter, and philosophical ideas with works of Kālidāsa, Aśvaghoṣa, and Samantabhadra.

Key Arguments and Contributions:

• Synthesis of Opposing Views: Siddhasena's primary contribution is the synthesis of seemingly contradictory viewpoints within the framework of Anekāntavāda, demonstrating that truth lies in acknowledging multiple perspectives.
• Logical Rigor: The work is renowned for its rigorous logical analysis, a hallmark of Jain logic, particularly in its examination of Nayas and its refutation of Ekāntavāda.
• Influence on Jain Literature: "Sanmati Tarka" significantly shaped the development of Jain logic and philosophy, influencing numerous later scholars and works. The emphasis on Sanskrit in Jain literature, starting with figures like Umāswāti, finds further consolidation through Siddhasena's Sanskrit works like the Dwātrimśikās.
• Scholarly Depth: The text demonstrates a profound understanding of various philosophical schools of thought prevalent in ancient India, offering a comparative study that integrates them within the Jain framework.

In essence, "Sanmati Tarka" is a foundational text in Jain epistemology and logic, offering a sophisticated framework for understanding reality through the lens of manifold perspectives, and demonstrating the intellectual prowess of Siddhasena Divākara in synthesizing diverse philosophical traditions.