Sarvarthasiddhi Vachanika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sarvarthasiddhi Vachanika" by Pandit Jaychand Pandit, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Sarvarthasiddhi Vachanika Author: Pandit Jaychand Pandit Publisher: Shrutbhandar va Granthprakashan Samiti Faltan Year: Veer Samvat 2481 (1954-55 CE)

This book is a commentary in Hindi (known as a "Vachanika") on the Tattvartha Sutra, which is a foundational text of Jainism. The commentary is based on the Sanskrit commentary "Sarvarthasiddhi" by Acharya Pujyapada. The author, Pandit Jaychand Pandit, aimed to make the profound teachings of the Tattvartha Sutra accessible to a wider audience, particularly those with less familiarity with Sanskrit.

Overall Purpose and Context:

The "Sarvarthasiddhi Vachanika" is presented as a means to facilitate understanding and study of Jain philosophy, particularly the Tattvartha Sutra. The publication is a result of the efforts of the "Shri Shrutbhandar va Granthprakashan Samiti, Falta," established under the guidance of Charitra Chakravarti Shri 108 Acharya Shantisaagar Maharaj. The text emphasizes the importance of scriptural study for spiritual progress.

Key Themes and Structure:

The Vachanika systematically explains the Tattvartha Sutra, chapter by chapter, following the original sutras. Pandit Jaychandji's approach involves:

Elucidation of Tattvas: The primary goal is to explain the fundamental Jain principles or "Tattvas" (truths). The text likely delves into the nature of soul (Jiva), non-soul (Ajiva), influx of karma (Asrava), bondage (Bandha), stoppage of influx (Samvara), cessation of karma (Nirjara), and liberation (Moksha).
Commentary on Pujyapada's Sarvarthasiddhi: The author explicitly states that his Vachanika is based on Acharya Pujyapada's renowned Sanskrit commentary, Sarvarthasiddhi. This indicates a reliance on established Jain scholastic tradition.
Accessible Language: The Vachanika is written in Hindi, making it more understandable for a broader audience than the original Sanskrit text.
Verse-based Explanations: The text includes introductory verses (like the Kavita and Aryas) and explanatory couplets (Dohas) to honor the scriptures, teachers, and the ultimate reality (Siddha).
Emphasis on Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct: The very first sutra of the Tattvartha Sutra, "Samydgdarshan-jnana-charitrani Mokshamargah" (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct are the path to liberation), is a central theme. The Vachanika likely elaborates on how to cultivate these three jewels.
Detailed Analysis of Concepts: The text, as evidenced by the table of contents (Anukrama), covers a wide range of Jain ontological and soteriological concepts. This includes:
- Knowledge: Types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), their means of perception (Indriya, Anindriya), and classifications.
- Soul (Jiva): Its states, characteristics, and the different types of souls based on senses, mind, body, and life-force.
- Matter (Pudgala): Its forms, properties, and the concept of atoms and molecules.
- Other Substances: Explanations of Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
- Karma Theory: Detailed discussion of karma, its influx (Asrava), bondage (Bandha), types of karmas, their duration, intensity, and consequences.
- Path to Liberation: The role of Samvara (restraint), Nirjara (shedding of karma) through austerities (Tapas), disciplines (Shila), and conduct (Achara).
- Cosmology: Descriptions of the universe, including hellish beings (Narakas), celestial beings (Devas), and the structure of the cosmos (Lokakasha).
- Subtle Philosophical Points: Discussion on Nayas (viewpoints), Pramanas (means of knowledge), and the seven-fold syllogism (Saptabhangi).
Historical and Doctrinal Context: The introductory pages provide historical context, mentioning the decline of certain practices and the emergence of different Jain sects (Gachhas). It highlights the importance of maintaining the purity of Jain teachings and practices. The author also implicitly addresses and refutes various non-Jain philosophical views by presenting the Jain perspective.
Dedication and Support: The publication explicitly thanks Shri Shivalal Manikchand Kothariji for his generous contribution to the printing of the book, emphasizing the spirit of knowledge dissemination (Gyanadan) within the Jain community.

Summary of Content based on the Anukrama (Table of Contents) and Introductory Pages:

The provided pages outline the structure of the Vachanika, which systematically explains the Tattvartha Sutra's six chapters (as indicated by the chapter numbers in the Anukrama). Based on the Anukrama and introductory material:

Chapter 1 (Adhyaya 1): Focuses on the fundamental principles of the path to liberation (Moksha Marga), defining right faith (Samyagdarshan), right knowledge (Samyagjnana), and right conduct (Samycharitra). It also details the types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala) and the means of acquiring them, including the role of senses and mind. It introduces the concept of Nayas and Pramanas.
Chapter 2 (Adhyaya 2): Primarily deals with the nature of the soul (Jiva) and its various states and qualities. It discusses the different types of souls based on sensory organs, mental faculties, body types, and karma. It also elaborates on the concept of life-span (Ayus) and the process of birth (Janma).
Chapter 3 (Adhyaya 3): Focuses on the cosmological aspects of Jainism. It describes the structure of the universe, the hellish realms (Naraka), the concept of hellish beings, their lifespans, and the classification of hellish regions. It also details the geographical structure of Jambudvipa, including mountains (Varadhar Parvatas), rivers, and sacred lakes. The description of various types of beings residing in these regions is also likely covered.
Chapter 4 (Adhyaya 4): Continues the cosmological description, focusing on celestial beings (Devas) and their abodes. It categorizes them into different classes like Bhavanavasis, Vyantaras, Jyotishkas, and Vaimanikas. It details their lifespans, realms of existence, and the hierarchy within their celestial communities, including the concept of Indras (chiefs).
Chapter 5 (Adhyaya 5): Deals with the substances (Dravyas) of the universe. It defines and explains the nature of Ajiva categories: Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgala, and Kala (though Kala is discussed later in its own chapter). It elaborates on the characteristics of matter (Pudgala), including its subtle and gross forms, and the concept of atoms and molecules. It also touches upon the nature of space and the concepts of Dharma and Adharma.
Chapter 6 (Adhyaya 6): Likely focuses on the nature of Pudgala (matter) in more detail, its properties like touch, taste, smell, color, sound, and its various manifestations (forms, densities, etc.). It also touches upon the concept of time (Kala) and its role in the universe.
Chapter 7 (Adhyaya 7): Shifts towards soteriology, focusing on the path of conduct (Charya). It explains the vows (Vratas) – both minor (Anuvratas) and major (Mahavratas) – and the auxiliary practices (Shila, Anupreksha). It details the restraints (Samvara) and the means of shedding karma (Nirjara). A significant portion is dedicated to the description of various ethical disciplines and practices.
Chapter 8 (Adhyaya 8): Delves deeper into the theory of Karma, explaining the causes of bondage (Bandha), the types of karmas (Prakritis), their duration (Sthiti), intensity (Anubhava), and subtle constituents (Pradesha). It elaborates on the specific karmas like Jnana-avaraniya (knowledge-obscuring), Darshana-avaraniya (perception-obscuring), Mohaniya (delusion), Vedaniya (feeling), Ayus (lifespan), Nama (body-making), Gotra (status), and Antaraya (obstruction).
Chapter 9 (Adhyaya 9): Focuses on the practices for liberation, elaborating on Samvara (restraint) and Nirjara (shedding of karma). It details the importance of Guptis (controls of mind, speech, and body), Samitis (carefulness in conduct), Dharma (virtues), Anupreksha (contemplations), Parikshaha (endurance of hardships), and Tapas (austerities). It categorizes Tapas into external and internal.
Chapter 10 (Adhyaya 10): Deals with the final stage of liberation (Moksha). It explains the process of the complete annihilation of karma, the nature of the liberated soul (Siddha), and its attributes. It likely discusses the state of the soul after liberation, its eternal bliss, and the ultimate goal of Jain spiritual pursuit.

Author's Approach:

Pandit Jaychandji's work is characterized by its clear and systematic explanation. He diligently breaks down complex philosophical concepts, often using analogies and simple language to make them accessible. The introductory pages reveal his deep reverence for the Tattvartha Sutra and the teachings of Jain Acharyas, particularly Acharya Pujyapada and Acharya Shantisaagar Maharaj. He also displays a strong awareness of Jain history and doctrinal nuances, subtly contrasting the Jain path with other philosophical systems. His dedication to making this knowledge available is evident in the philanthropic effort behind the book's publication.