Sarvarthsiddhi Vachanika - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sarvarthsiddhi Vachanika" by Pandit Jaychandji, based on the provided pages. The text appears to be a commentary or explanation of the Tattvartha Sutra in Hindi.

Book Title: Sarvarthsiddhi Vachanika Author: Pandit Jaychandji Publisher: Kallappa Bharmappa Nitve Publisher Location: Kolhapur City Publication Date: Vaishakh Shukla 3, Shake 1833 (Vikram Samvat 1956 / 1900 AD) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020662/1

Overall Summary:

The provided text is the "Sarvarthsiddhi Vachanika," a Hindi commentary by Pandit Jaychandji on the Tattvartha Sutra, which is a foundational text of Jainism. The text, published by Kallappa Bharmappa Nitve, aims to explain the Tattvartha Sutra in a way that is accessible to the common person. The provided pages offer a detailed index and the beginning of the commentary itself, covering the first few chapters of the Tattvartha Sutra.

Detailed Breakdown by Chapter (based on the index and commentary):

The document includes an index of the Tattvartha Sutra, listing chapter numbers, sutra references, and corresponding page numbers in this commentary. The commentary then begins, explaining the core principles of Jainism as laid out in the Tattvartha Sutra.

Chapter 1: Moksha Marga (The Path to Liberation)

Core Principle: The path to liberation is defined by Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct).
Tattvartha: The six fundamental principles of Jainism are introduced: Jiva (Soul), Ajiva (Non-soul), Asrava (Influx of Karma), Bandha (Bondage of Karma), Samvara (Cessation of Karma Influx), Nirjara (Shedding of Karma), and Moksha (Liberation).
Means of Knowledge: The text discusses Pramana (Valid Knowledge) and Naya (Partial Standpoints) as the means to understand reality.
Karmendriyas and Jnanendriyas: The text briefly touches upon the sensory organs (Indriyas) and the mind (Anindriya).
Naya: A detailed explanation of various Nayas (standpoints) is provided, including:
- Naigama: An all-encompassing view that considers both existence and non-existence, the past, present, and future.
- Samgraha: A generalizing viewpoint that focuses on the essence or universal aspect.
- Vyavahara: A practical or conventional viewpoint that deals with the specifics and distinctions.
- Rjusutra: A viewpoint focused on the present moment and immediate reality.
- Shabda: A linguistic viewpoint, analyzing the meaning derived from words.
- Abhihita-rchupita (Samabhisudha): A viewpoint that considers the literal meaning of words and their intended context.
- Evambhuta: A viewpoint that considers the state or form of a thing at a particular time.
Saptabhangi (Sevenfold Predication): The text likely introduces or alludes to the Saptabhangi doctrine, a core principle of Jain logic that allows for seemingly contradictory statements by considering various standpoints.

Chapter 2: Jiva (The Soul) and its States

Five Bhavas (States of the Soul): The text delves into the different states of the soul:
- Aupashamika (Suppressed): States arising from the suppression of karmic bondage.
- Kshayiika (Destroyed): States arising from the complete destruction of karmic bondage.
- Mishra (Mixed): States where suppressed and destroyed karmas coexist.
- Audayika (Resulting from fruition): States arising from the fruition of karmas.
- Pariṇāmika (Inherent): Inherent states of the soul.
Classification of Jivas: The text likely classifies souls based on their number of senses, mind, and their cycle of birth and death (Samsari/Mukta).
Body Types and Lifespans: The text discusses different types of bodies (Oudarika, Vaikriyika, Aharaka, Taijasa, Karmana) and their characteristics, as well as the lifespans of various beings.

Chapter 3: The World Structure (Loka) and Realms

Cosmology: This chapter focuses on the Jain cosmological structure, describing the different realms of existence.
Naraka Loka (Hellish Realms): The seven hellish realms are described, including their geological layers (Prabhu, Shankara, Valuka, Panka, Dhuama, Tamas, Mahatamas).
Jambudvipa and Meru: The description of Jambudvipa, the central continent, and the great Meru mountain is detailed.
Rivers and Mountains: The text mentions the rivers and mountain ranges (Kulaachal) that divide the landmasses.
Habitats of Beings: Descriptions of the habitations of beings in different realms are provided, including the realms of Naraka beings.
Lifespans: Lifespans of beings in various realms, particularly Naraka beings, are discussed.

Chapter 4: Devas (Celestial Beings)

Four Classes of Devas: The text categorizes celestial beings into four main classes:
- Bhavanavasi (Dwelling Devas): Living in lower, earth-bound residences.
- Vyantara (Intermediate Devas): Living in spaces between the Bhavanavasi and Jyotishka realms.
- Jyotishka (Luminous Devas): Celestial bodies like the sun, moon, stars, planets.
- Vaimanika (Palace-dwelling Devas): Living in higher celestial palaces.
Hierarchy and Realms: The text describes the hierarchy within these classes, including the types of palaces (Vimanas) and the different heavens (Kalpa).
Deva Lifespans and Bliss: The blissful nature of Deva existence and their lifespans are discussed.
Laukantika Devas: The text introduces Laukantika Devas, who are described as celestial beings living on the fringes of the universe and meditating on the eternal nature of the universe.

Chapter 5: Ajiva (Non-soul) Substances

Six Substances (Dravyas): This chapter systematically explains the six fundamental substances of the universe according to Jainism:
- Dharma (Principle of Motion): Enables movement.
- Adharma (Principle of Rest): Enables rest.
- Akasha (Space): Provides room for existence.
- Pudgala (Matter): The physical substance.
- Kala (Time): The principle of change and duration.
- Jiva (Soul): Discussed in Chapter 2, but its relationship with other substances is considered here.
Characteristics of Substances: The text elaborates on the inherent qualities (Guna) and modifications (Paryaya) of these substances, particularly Pudgala, its states (Pudgala, Skandha, Anu), and its properties (touch, taste, smell, color).
Immovability of Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha: The text likely explains that Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha are generally static and all-pervading in their respective domains.
Nature of Time: The concept of time as a substance that facilitates change is likely discussed.

Chapter 6: Asrava (Influx of Karma)

Yoga: The chapter begins by defining Yoga as the activity of mind, speech, and body, which is the root cause of karma influx.
Types of Yoga: The text classifies Yoga into three types: Manas Yoga (mind activity), Vachana Yoga (speech activity), and Kaya Yoga (body activity).
Punhya and Papa (Merit and Demerit): The chapter likely differentiates between auspicious (Punya) and inauspicious (Papa) karmic influx based on the nature of thoughts, speech, and actions.
Kashaya (Passions): The role of passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashaya) in attracting karma is explained.
Indriyas (Senses), Avratas (Vows not taken), and Kriyas (Actions): The text details how activities related to the senses, the absence of vows, and various actions contribute to karma influx.

Chapter 7: Vratas (Vows) and their Acharas (Conduct)

The Five Vows (Pancha Vratas): This chapter focuses on the five main vows essential for spiritual progress:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Speaking truthfully and harmlessly.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Not taking what is not freely given.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Control over sensual impulses.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession): Non-attachment to worldly possessions.
Cultivating Virtues: The text emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues like compassion, forgiveness, contentment, and self-control to strengthen these vows.
Avoiding Vows' Transgressions (Acharas): The chapter details the minor transgressions associated with each vow that hinder spiritual progress.
Stages of Purity: The concept of vows as practiced by laypeople (Anuvratas) and ascetics (Mahavratas) is likely discussed.

Chapter 8: Bandha (Bondage of Karma)

Causes of Bondage: The chapter explains the factors that lead to the influx and bondage of karma, including:
- Mithya Darshana (False Faith): Incorrect beliefs about reality.
- Avirati (Lack of Restraint): Absence of vows and self-control.
- Pramada (Lethargy/Negligence): Mental and physical indulgence.
- Kashaya (Passions): Anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
- Yoga (Activity of Mind, Speech, and Body): The actions that attract karma.
Types of Karma: The text details the eight categories of karma and their sub-categories (Prakriti), and their qualities like duration (Sthiti), intensity of experience (Anubhava), and the number of karmic particles (Pradesha).
Punya and Papa in Detail: A more detailed explanation of merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa) karma is provided, outlining the specific actions that lead to them.

Chapter 9: Samvara (Cessation of Karma) and Nirjara (Shedding of Karma)

Samvara: This chapter explains the process of Samvara, the stopping of new karma influx. This is achieved through:
- Gupti (Control of Mind, Speech, and Body): Restraining the senses and passions.
- Samiti (Carefulness in Conduct): Vigilance in walking, speaking, eating, handling objects, and excretion.
- Dharma (Righteousness/Virtues): Cultivating virtues like patience, humility, contentment, truthfulness, purity, celibacy, penance, non-possession, and renunciation.
- Anupreksha (Meditation/Reflection): Contemplating the transient nature of the world, the soul's isolation, the impurity of the body, the influx of karma, the cessation of karma, the shedding of karma, the structure of the universe, the rarity of spiritual knowledge, and the true nature of Dharma.
- Parishaha Jayan (Conquering Hardships): Enduring physical and mental hardships with equanimity.
- Charitra (Conduct): The practice of right conduct.
Nirjara: This chapter also discusses Nirjara, the shedding of accumulated karma, primarily through Tapas (Austerities), both external and internal.
Tapas: The text details various forms of external austerities (fasting, moderation in food, isolation, etc.) and internal austerities (penance, reflection, control of senses, etc.).

Chapter 10: Moksha (Liberation)

The Final Goal: This chapter likely describes Moksha, the ultimate state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Causes of Moksha: The text explains how the complete destruction of all karmas, through the practice of Samvara and Nirjara, leads to Moksha.
Characteristics of the Liberated Soul (Siddha): The pure, omniscient, and blissful nature of the Siddha soul is likely described.
The Nature of the Siddha State: The Siddha soul resides in the Loka- Shikara (topmost part of the universe), experiencing eternal bliss and knowledge.

Commentary's Introduction and Context:

Pandit Jaychandji's introduction highlights the importance of the Tattvartha Sutra. He mentions the historical context, the decline in strict adherence to Jain principles after the time of Lord Mahavir, the emergence of different sects (like Shvetambara and Digambara), and the need to preserve the true teachings. He clarifies that his commentary aims to make the profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. He also emphasizes the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct as the path to liberation, and criticizes certain viewpoints that deviate from the core Jain tenets.

Key Themes and Emphasis:

Rationality and Logic: The text, through its detailed explanations of Nayas, Pramanas, and the refutation of other philosophical viewpoints, emphasizes a rational and logical approach to understanding Jain philosophy.
The Path to Liberation: The consistent focus is on the Tattvarthas as the means to achieve Moksha through the threefold path of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
The Importance of Vows and Austerities: The text underscores the role of ethical conduct (vows) and ascetic practices (tapas) in purifying the soul and shedding karma.
The Nature of Reality: The Jain understanding of the universe as composed of six eternal substances, each with its unique characteristics and interactions, is a central theme.
Karma Theory: The intricate workings of karma, its influx, bondage, and eventual shedding, are explained in detail, forming a crucial part of the path to liberation.

This summary provides a foundational understanding of the Sarvarthsiddhi Vachanika based on the provided text and index.