Shaddarshan Subodhika

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Shaddarshan Subodhika" (A Clear Explanation of the Six Philosophies) authored by Labdhivijayji Ganivarya and published by Yashovijay Jain Granthmala. The book aims to provide a clear and accessible explanation of the core principles of Jainism to a broad audience, including both the Jain community and others interested in learning about the religion.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and content of the document:

1. Book Overview and Publisher Information:

• Title: Shaddarshan Subodhika (ષડ્દર્શન સુબોધિકા)
• Author: Labdhivijayji Ganivarya (લબ્ધિવિજયજી ગણિવર્ય)
• Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala (શ્રી યશોવિજયજી જૈન ગ્રંથમાળા), Bhavnagar.
• Editor: Pujya Ganivarya Shri Vishvavijayji Maharaj (પૂજ્ય ગણિવર્ય શ્રી વિશ્વવિજયજી મહારાજ) - Note: There's a discrepancy between the editor mentioned on page 1 and the one on page 2. Page 2 lists Pujya Ganivarya Shri Labdhivijayji Maharaj as the editor.
• Purpose: To spread a deep understanding of Jainism and propagate its knowledge, making complex philosophical concepts easily understandable for all ages.
• Origin: The decision to publish this book was made during a Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in Morbi, attended by esteemed monks, including Ganivarya Shri Labdhivijayji. The local Jain community in Morbi contributed financially to the publication.
• Acknowledgements: The publisher expresses gratitude to Ganivarya Shri Labdhivijayji for preparing the book in simple language, to Shri Dahyabhai for proofreading, and to Sadhana Press for timely printing.

2. Dedication:

The book is dedicated in reverence to the spiritual lineage, specifically mentioning:

• Paramtyagi Sanyasabhiruchi P.P. Sw. A. Shri Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji M.Sa.
• Pattadhar Shasanprabhavak P.P. A. Shri Vijay Premsurishwarji M.Sa.
• P.P. Gurudev A. Shri Sudhchandra Surishwarji M.Sa.

3. Table of Contents (Chapter Outline):

The book appears to cover a wide range of Jain philosophical and practical topics, including:

• Jainism Specifics:

  • 1. Attainment of Supreme Happiness (પરમ સુખની પ્રાપ્તિ)
  • 2. Pramanu Sahitya (પ્રમાણુ સાહિત્ય - Literature of Valid Knowledge/Proof)
  • 3. Tattva Mimansa (તત્વ મીમાંસા - Metaphysics/Principles)
  • 4. Praman Mimansa (પ્રમાણ મીમાંસા - Philosophy of Valid Knowledge/Proof)
  • 5. Syadvada (સ્યાદ્વાદ - The doctrine of Conditional Predication)
  • 6. Saptabhangi (સપ્તભંગી - The Sevenfold Predication)
  • 7. Nay (નય - Perspective/Standpoint)
  • 8. Achar Mimansa (આચાર મીમાંસા - Principles of Conduct)
  • 9. Panchachar (પંચાચાર - The Fivefold Conduct)
  • 10. Bar Bhavana (બાર ભાવના - The Twelve Reflections/Meditations)
  • 11. Guna Sthanak (ગુણ સ્થાનક - Stages of Spiritual Development)
  • 12. Nihnavavad (નિહ્ણવવાદ - Heretical Doctrines/Denials)

• Other Indian Philosophies (Shaddarshan):

  • 13. Buddhist Philosophy (બૌદ્ધદર્શન)
    • 14. Four Noble Truths (ચાર સત્ય)
    • 15. Sects of Buddhist Philosophy (ઔદ્ધ દનના સંપ્રદાયે)
  • 16. Yoga Darshan (યોગ દર્શન)
  • 17. Nyaya Darshan (ન્યાય દર્શન)
  • 18. Pramanu Sahitya (પ્રમાણુ સાહિત્ય)
  • 19. Praman Mimansa (પ્રમાણ મીમાંસા)
  • 20. Tattva Mimansa (તત્ત્વ મીમાંસા)
  • 21. Vedanta Darshan (વેદાન્ત દન)
    • 22. Brahma Sampradaya (બ્રહ્મ સોંપ્રદાય)
    • 23. Sanak Sampradaya (સનક સંપ્રદાય)
    • 24. Pushti Sampradaya (પુષ્ટિ સંપ્રદાય)
  • 25. Sankhya Darshan (સાંખ્ય દર્શન)
  • 26. Tattva Mimansa (તત્ત્વ મીમાંસા)
  • 27. Mimansa Darshan (મીમાંસા દન)
  • 28. Jnana Mimansa (જ્ઞાન મીમાંસા)
  • 29. Tattva Mimansa (તત્ત્વ મીમાંસા)
  • 30. Achar Mimansa (આચાર મીમાંસા)
  • 31. Vaisheshika Darshan (વૈશેષિક દર્શન)
  • 32. Charvak Darshan (ચાર્વાક દર્શન)

4. Summary of Key Chapters/Concepts:

The provided text offers detailed explanations for several of these topics, starting with the Jain perspective on fundamental concepts:

• Chapter 1: Attainment of Supreme Happiness (પરમ સુખની પ્રાપ્તિ):

  • Discusses the universal desire for happiness and the failure to achieve it through worldly means.
  • Highlights that true, eternal happiness can only be found through Dharma (righteousness/duty).
  • Emphasizes that dharma is difficult to attain, quoting a verse about the ease of obtaining worldly pleasures versus the difficulty of obtaining dharma.
  • Traces the Indian intellectual tradition of seeking self-knowledge and liberation from worldly concerns.
  • Introduces the concept of "Darshan" (philosophy) arising from deep contemplation and the need for solitude for self-realization.
  • Explains that different Indian philosophies offer distinct paths to achieve the common goal of ending suffering and attaining supreme bliss.
  • Begins the explanation of Jain Darshan, defining "Jin" (conqueror of passions) and "Jain Dharma" as the path shown by the Jins (Vitarag, Omniscient beings).
  • States that Jainism does not accept God as the creator of the universe, attributing creation to the interaction of soul (pudgala) and soul (atma).
  • Emphasizes "Karmavada" (doctrine of Karma), "Syadvada" (doctrine of conditional predication), and "Ahimsa" (non-violence) as central tenets.
  • Explains that the soul is inherently pure but becomes corrupted by karma. Through effort, it can shed these karmas and achieve perfection.
  • Describes the path of virtuous beings (Tirthankaras) who attain liberation, including their birth, spiritual practices, and the establishment of the four-fold Jain community.
  • Lists the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era and the vast time spans involved.
  • Defines Moksha (liberation) as the state of being free from suffering, residing at the top of the universe (Siddhashila), and describes the characteristics of liberated souls (Siddhas).
  • Discusses the physical attributes of liberated souls (height, number that can attain liberation simultaneously).

• Chapter 2: Pramanu Sahitya (Literature of Valid Knowledge/Proof):

  • Focuses on the teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami and the development of Jain scriptures (Agamas).
  • Details the formation of the twelve Angas (limbs) of the Jain canon, compiled by Lord Indrabhuti Gautam and other Ganadharas (chief disciples).
  • Explains the gradual decline and subsequent compilations (Vachana) of the Agamas due to unforseen circumstances like droughts.
  • Highlights the role of great Acharyas like Bhadrabahuswami, Kandilacharya, Nagarjuna, and Devardhigani Kshamashraman in preserving and codifying the Agamas.
  • Defines Agama as the boundary of Syadvada and the knowledge that guides towards the ultimate truth.
  • Emphasizes the significance of Agamas as the "KalikalpTARU" (wish-fulfilling tree of the current age) during times of spiritual decline and material scarcity.
  • Lists the 45 Agam Sutras, categorized into Angas (11), Upangas (12), Pannas (10), and Chhed Sutras (6).
  • Briefly describes the content and approximate size (in shlokas/verses) of some key Angas like Acharanga, Sutrakrutanaga, Sthananga, Samvayanga, and Bhagvati Sutra.
  • Discusses the transition from Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi) to Sanskrit and eventually to modern Indian languages for religious literature.
  • Mentions the Digambara tradition's acceptance of a different set of scriptures.
  • Highlights the contributions of prominent Jain scholars and Acharyas like Umaswati, Siddhasen Divakar, Haribhadra Surishwarji, Hemchandrasurishwarji, and Yashovijayji, mentioning their key works and intellectual prowess.
  • Also lists numerous other significant Jain scholars and their contributions, spanning various periods and fields of study.

• Chapter 3: Tattva Mimansa (Metaphysics/Principles):

  • Explains that the universe is composed of two fundamental substances: Jada (inanimate) and Chetana (animate).
  • Defines "Dravya" as that which possesses qualities and modes of existence.
  • Explains "Guna" (qualities) as essential, permanent characteristics and "Paryaya" (modes) as temporary, consequential changes.
  • States that every object has infinite qualities, with some being inherent and others negated by contrast with other objects.
  • Enumerates the six eternal substances (Dravyas) in Jainism: Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
  • Notes that except for Kala, the other five are "Astitkaya" (possessing extensive regions).
  • Identifies nine essential tattvas (principles) crucial for liberation: Jiva, Ajiva (non-soul), Punhya (merit), Pap (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
  • Defines Jiva as the conscious substance (Atman), characterized by consciousness (Upayoga).
  • Explains that the soul, though inherently possessing infinite knowledge, perception, energy, etc., is obscured by karmic coverings.
  • States that the soul binds and experiences the fruits of its actions (Karmavada).
  • Describes the soul as being limited by its physical body and taking on its form, thus varying in size from an elephant to an ant.
  • Discusses the classification of souls based on number of senses, activities, conditions of existence, etc., with a total of 563 types mentioned.
  • Defines Samsari (transmigrating souls) and categorizes them into Trasa (mobile) and Sthavara (immobile).
  • Explains Trasa souls are those with two or more senses, while Sthavara are those with only one sense (earth-bodied, water-bodied, fire-bodied, air-bodied, and plant-bodied).
  • Further classifies Sthavara into Sukshma (subtle) and Badara (gross).
  • Details the five senses and the classification of beings based on the number of senses they possess (ekendriya to pachendriya).
  • Defines Ajiva (non-soul) as inanimate substance, comprising Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Pudgala, and Kala.
  • Explains the function of Dharma (motion), Adharma (rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
  • Defines Pudgala as matter, characterized by form, taste, smell, and touch, existing as atoms and aggregates.
  • Discusses the concept of Karma, Punhya (merit), and Pap (demerit) as the causes of bondage and the path to liberation through Samvara and Nirjara.
  • Defines Moksha as the complete annihilation of karma, leading to the soul's pure, blissful, and eternal state.

5. Other Philosophies Discussed:

The book also briefly introduces and discusses the core tenets of other major Indian philosophical schools, referred to as "Shaddarshan" (Six Philosophies):

• Buddhist Philosophy: Covers the life of Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the concept of dependent origination (Pratityasamutpada), the Eightfold Path, the principles of non-self (Anatman) and impermanence (Anitya), and the different schools of Buddhism (Hinayana and Mahayana).
• Yoga Philosophy: Explains the goal of Yoga as the cessation of mental modifications (Chitta Vritti Nirodha), the role of practice (Abhyasa) and detachment (Vairagya), the eight limbs of Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi), and the concept of Ishvara (God) as a special Purusha.
• Nyaya Philosophy: Introduces Nyaya as the science of logic and reasoning, focusing on valid means of knowledge (Pramanas) like perception (Pratyaksha), inference (Anumana), comparison (Upamana), and testimony (Shabda). It also discusses the concept of fallacy (Hetvabhas) and the syllogistic structure of arguments.
• Vaisheshika Philosophy: Focuses on the atomistic nature of the universe, the existence of seven categories (Padarthas) including substance (Dravya), quality (Guna), action (Karma), universality (Samanya), particularity (Vishesha), inherence (Samavaya), and non-existence (Abhava). It also discusses the concept of atoms (Paramanu) and the creation of the universe through their combination.
• Mimansa Philosophy: Primarily concerned with the interpretation and application of Vedic rituals and duties (Karma Kanda). It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas and the importance of performing Vedic injunctions. Key concepts include the nature of Dharma, the role of Apurva (a latent force generated by rituals), and the emphasis on action over mere knowledge.
• Charvak Philosophy: Presents a materialistic and atheistic perspective, rejecting the existence of a soul beyond the physical body, the afterlife, and the authority of the Vedas. It advocates for sensory pleasure as the ultimate goal of life.

6. Biography:

The document includes a section dedicated to the life of Pujyashri Durlabh Vijayji Maharaj, who was a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijaykalyansurishwarji Maharaj. It details his early life, his spiritual inclination, his rigorous ascetic practices, his eventual renunciation, and his passing. His life's work and aspirations are connected to the publication of this book, as funds allocated for his spiritual studies were used for its publication.

In essence, "Shaddarshan Subodhika" is a comprehensive guide to understanding the fundamental philosophies of both Jainism and other major Indian schools of thought, presented in a way that is accessible to a wide readership. The document provides a detailed overview of Jain principles and then systematically explores the doctrines of Buddhism, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimansa, Charvak, Sankhya, and Vedanta, offering insights into their core beliefs and practices.