Shaddravya Vichar Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shaddravya Vichar Part 2" by Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shaddravya Vichar Part 2 (Understanding the Six Substances) Author: Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwar Publisher: Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal

This book, published by Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal, is a detailed exploration of the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy, specifically focusing on the Shaddravya (Six Substances). The text aims to provide a clear and accessible understanding of these profound concepts for the benefit of spiritual seekers, particularly those who may not have the time or inclination for extensive study of larger scriptures.

Core Concepts and Themes:

The book delves into the nature, qualities, and interactions of the six eternal substances that constitute reality according to Jainism:

Dharmastikaya (Principle of Motion): Responsible for facilitating movement.
Adharmastikaya (Principle of Rest): Responsible for facilitating rest.
Akashastikaya (Space): Provides space for all substances to exist.
Pudgalastikaya (Matter): The only substance that has form, color, taste, and smell, and is subject to change.
Kalastikaya (Time): Causes change and transformation in substances.
Jivastikaya (Soul/Soul): The conscious substance, possessing infinite knowledge, perception, energy, and bliss in its pure state.

Key areas of discussion within the book include:

The Nature of Substances: The text meticulously describes each of the six substances, their inherent qualities (Guna), and their transient states or modifications (Paryaya). It explains how these substances are eternal and form the bedrock of existence.
Dravyanuyog (Theological Discourse): The book emphasizes the complexity and importance of Dravyanuyog, one of the four principal divisions of Jain scripture. It acknowledges that fully comprehending Dravyanuyog is a challenging task, achievable by only a few enlightened souls.
Knowledge (Jnana): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the understanding of knowledge. It distinguishes between:
- Vyavahar Jnana (Conventional Knowledge): This includes knowledge of grammar, linguistics, other philosophical schools, and the other three divisions of Jain scripture (Ganitanuyog, Charan Karananuyog, Kathanuyog). It also encompasses knowledge without practical application or self-realization.
- Nishchay Jnana (Real Knowledge): This refers to the direct, intuitive knowledge of the soul's true nature, its inherent qualities, and the understanding of the six substances, their transformations, and the principles of production, destruction, and permanence. Nishchay Jnana is considered the means to liberation.
Bondage and Liberation: The book explains how the soul (Jiva) becomes entangled with matter (Pudgala) in the form of karma. It details the eight types of karma and their 158 sub-types, which obscure the soul's innate qualities. The understanding of the six substances is presented as crucial for overcoming delusion (Moha) and achieving Samyaktva (Right Faith), the first step towards liberation.
Attributes and Classifications: The text systematically outlines the attributes of each substance. It further categorizes them based on:
- Murt (Corporeal) vs. Amurt (Incorporeal): Pudgala is the only corporeal substance, while the other five are incorporeal.
- S-pradeshi (With Parts) vs. A-pradeshi (Partless): Five substances have parts (are s-pradeshi), while Time (Kala) is partless (a-pradeshi).
- Ek (One) vs. Anek (Many): This classification is applied to substances in terms of their extent and number.
- Kshetra (Space) and Kshetri (That which occupies space): Akash is the space, and the other five substances occupy space.
- Nitya (Eternal) vs. Anitya (Transient): The book discusses the eternal and transient aspects of substances and their modifications.
- S-akriya (Active) vs. A-kriya (Inactive): The active and inactive natures of the substances are explained.
The Seven Nayas (Viewpoints): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the seven Nayas, which are different perspectives or ways of understanding reality. These include:
- Naigamanay: Focuses on the eventual state or potential.
- Sangrahanay: Deals with general or collective categories.
- Vyavaharnay: Explains reality through conventional and practical distinctions.
- Rujusutranay: Emphasizes the present moment and direct perception.
- Shabdanay: Focuses on the linguistic aspect and meaning of words.
- Samabhiranay: Analyzes the root meaning and relationships of words.
- Evambhutanay: Understands entities based on their current state and function.
Pramana (Means of Valid Knowledge): The book outlines the means of acquiring knowledge, dividing them into:
- Pratyaksha Pramana (Direct Perception): Knowledge gained directly through the senses or the pure soul. Keval Gyan (Omniscience) is the highest form of Pratyaksha.
- Paroksha Pramana (Indirect Knowledge): Knowledge gained through inference, scripture, or comparison. This includes Anuman (Inference), Agama (Scriptural Authority), and Upamana (Analogy).
Saptabhangi (Seven-fold Predication): The text explains the complex logical framework of Saptabhangi, which asserts that any statement about reality can be made in seven ways, acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of truth (Anekantavada). This involves statements of existence, non-existence, combined existence and non-existence, indefiniteness, and their negations.
The Twelve Bhavanas (Meditations): The book elaborates on the twelve types of meditations that are crucial for spiritual progress, including:
- Anitya (Impermanence)
- Asharan (Absence of Refuge)
- Sansara (Cycle of Birth and Death)
- Ekattva (Solitude)
- Anyattva (Otherness)
- Ashuchi (Impurity)
- Asrava (Influx of Karma)
- Samvara (Stoppage of Karma)
- Nirjara (Shedding of Karma)
- Loka (The Universe)
- Bodhi Durlabha (Rarity of Enlightenment)
- Dharma Labha (Attainment of Dharma)
The Four Dhyanas (Meditations): The four types of meditation are explained in detail:
- Artadhyana (Worrying Meditation): Characterized by distress, pain, and attachment.
- Raudra-dhyana (Fiery Meditation): Involves anger, hatred, and aggression.
- Dharma-dhyana (Righteous Meditation): Cultivates virtues, knowledge, and contemplation of the soul.
- Shukla-dhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form of meditation, leading to liberation, characterized by dispassion and focused awareness of the soul.
Samyaktva (Right Faith): The book provides an extensive discourse on Samyaktva, its different types (Nisargaj, Updeshaj, Agamaj, etc.), its conditions of attainment, and its significance in the path to liberation. It also discusses the subtle distinctions between different interpretations of Samyaktva, particularly in relation to Nayas.

Purpose and Approach:

The author, Acharya Buddhisagarji, has striven to present these intricate philosophical concepts in a simple and understandable manner. The book is intended for individuals who wish to grasp the essence of Jain metaphysics without being overwhelmed by voluminous texts. The affordability of the book (indicated by the price of "0-4-0" and the low printing cost) underscores its accessibility.

Overall Significance:

"Shaddravya Vichar Part 2" serves as a valuable guide for understanding the foundational principles of Jainism. By dissecting the six substances and exploring related philosophical concepts, it aims to equip readers with the knowledge necessary for spiritual contemplation and practice, ultimately paving the way for self-realization and liberation. The text encourages the reader to analyze these concepts with a discerning mind and to seek the ultimate truth within oneself.