Shatpahud Granth

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatpahud Granth" by Kundakundacharya, based on the provided pages. The text is presented in Prakrit with Sanskrit and Hindi translations and commentary. It focuses on core Jain principles, particularly the importance of Samyaktva (right faith) and the path to liberation.

Overall Structure and Publisher:

The book is titled "Shatpahud Granth" (meaning "Six Teachings" or "Six Sections") and is attributed to Acharya Shri Kundakundaswami. It was published by Babu Surajbhan Vakil, who was the minister of the Jain Siddhanta Pracharak Mandali in Deoband, Saharanpur. The first edition was printed in 1910 at Chandraprabha Press, Benares. The publisher expresses the desire to publish two more sections to complete the "Ashtapahud Granth" (Eight Teachings). The translator and commentator, who remains anonymous, is praised for their dedication to the Jain dharma and the accuracy of the translation.

Key Themes and Content Breakdown by Section (as indicated by the text):

The text is divided into six "Pahud" (teachings or sections). Based on the provided pages, the summary covers the content of the first five, with the sixth, "Moksha Praabhuta" (Teachings on Liberation), being the final section.

1. Darshan Pahud (Teachings on Right Faith):

• The Foundation of Dharma: This section strongly emphasizes that Darshan (Right Faith, characterized by Samyakva) is the root of Dharma. It is taught by the Tirthankaras and is essential for spiritual progress.
• The Danger of False Faith: Those who deviate from Right Faith are considered fallen. True liberation (Nirvana) is impossible without it. While those who err in conduct can still attain liberation, those who err in faith cannot.
• Knowledge Without Right Faith is Futile: Even those who know many scriptures are lost if they lack the jewel of Right Faith. They remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death without true spiritual practice.
• The Power of Right Faith: Right Faith is described as an ever-flowing stream in the heart that protects from karma. It purifies the soul and destroys accumulated karma.
• The Consequence of Deviation: Those who stray from Right Faith, knowledge, or conduct are the most fallen and can lead others astray. Criticizing virtuous individuals is a sign of one's own corruption.
• The Root of Liberation: Just as a tree without its roots cannot grow, so too is the path to liberation without the foundation of Jain faith. Right Faith in Jainism is the root of the path to Moksha.
• Respect for the Righteous: Those who fall at the feet of the righteous (Samyakdrishti) are considered "blind" and their path to enlightenment is difficult. Even those who bow out of fear or obligation are not considered enlightened.
• The Means to Liberation: True liberation is attained through a combination of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct, and Austerity.
• The Essence of True Understanding: The ultimate goal is to understand the soul, which is the essence of Jain Dharma.
• The Path to Moksha: Right Faith is the first step towards Moksha.
• The Importance of Reverence: The text stresses the importance of reverence towards virtuous individuals and the path of Jainism.
• The Nature of True Devotion: True devotion is shown through unwavering faith, knowledge, and conduct, not merely outward appearances.
• The Role of Faith and Action: While action is important, unwavering faith in the teachings is paramount. If action is not possible, faith alone is still valuable.

2. Sutra Pahud (Teachings on Scriptures):

• The Authority of Scriptures: The teachings of the Tirthankaras, compiled by the Gandharas, are the ultimate source of knowledge for liberation.
• The Importance of Understanding: Knowing the scriptures, both in letter and spirit, is crucial for understanding the path to liberation.
• The Power of Scriptural Knowledge: Those who understand the scriptures can overcome the cycle of birth and death. Like a needle with thread, knowledge of scriptures guides and protects.
• The Distinction Between the Learned and the Enlightened: Even a householder who understands scriptures can achieve spiritual progress, while mere outward adherence without inner understanding is insufficient.
• The Essence of Righteousness: Understanding the scriptures, the distinction between soul and non-soul, and the principles of what to adopt and what to reject are hallmarks of a Right-Faith individual.
• The Path to Purity: Understanding the scriptures leads to peace and the destruction of karmic impurities.
• The Danger of Misunderstanding: Those who deviate from the meaning and intent of the scriptures are considered to have false faith.
• The True Path: The text highlights the importance of the "Nishchel Pani Patra" (unwavering hand as a vessel) and the "Nishchela" (asceticism without clothing) as the true path to liberation, as taught by the Tirthankaras. All other paths are considered "un-paths."
• The Conduct of the Virtuous: Those who are steadfast in their vows, detached from worldly possessions, and endure hardships are worthy of worship.
• The Significance of the Twenty-Two Hardships (Parishaha): Enduring these hardships leads to the shedding of karma and is a mark of a truly virtuous individual.
• The Status of Ascetics: Those who possess Right Faith and knowledge, even if they wear a single garment, are considered desirable. However, the truly liberated are the Digambara ascetics.
• The Importance of Inner Purity: True religious practice lies in inner purity and detachment, not mere outward acts. Those who focus on outward rituals without inner understanding will not attain liberation.
• The Efficacy of True Devotion: The ultimate goal is to realize and adhere to the soul, which is the source of liberation, through proper understanding and effort.

3. Charitra Pahud (Teachings on Conduct):

• The Nature of True Conduct: True conduct stems from Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct itself, forming the basis for spiritual practice and liberation.
• The Two Types of Conduct: The text describes two types of conduct: Samyakva Charan Charitra (conduct rooted in Right Faith) and Samyama Charan Charitra (conduct of self-control and austerity).
• The Eight Qualities of Right Faith: The section details the eight limbs of Samyaktva: Nishankita (faith without doubt), Nishkankshita (desirelessness), Nirvichikitsa (non-disgust with the body), Amoodha Drishti (unwavering faith in the true path), Upaguhana (concealing the faults of others), Sthitikaran (steadfastness in the faith), Vatsalya (affection for fellow devotees), and Prabhavana (spreading the glory of the faith).
• The Importance of Right Conduct for Liberation: Those who are pure in their conduct and adhere to the path of self-control will attain liberation quickly.
• The Dangers of False Conduct: Those who are devoid of Right Faith, even if they practice austerities, will not attain liberation.
• The Qualities of the Righteous: The text describes the qualities of those who truly follow Jainism, including compassion, humility, generosity, adherence to principles, and a focus on the soul.
• The Detriment of Attachment to Worldly Pursuits: Engaging in worldly activities, seeking fame, or harboring desires for worldly pleasures leads away from the path of liberation.
• The Path of Renunciation: True liberation is achieved through renunciation of worldly attachments and the practice of austerities and self-control.
• The Significance of the Monastic Path: The ultimate and purest path to liberation is the Digambara monastic path, characterized by strict adherence to vows and detachment.
• The Role of Lay Devotees: The text also outlines the conduct of lay devotees (Shravakas), their stages of progress (Pratimas), and their duties.
• The Limitations for Women: The text discusses the limitations for women regarding monastic life and liberation, attributing this to physical and spiritual factors, though it also acknowledges their potential for spiritual advancement through devotion.
• The Nature of True Asceticism: True asceticism is characterized by detachment, self-control, and adherence to the teachings, not mere outward appearance.

4. Bodh Pahud (Teachings on Knowledge/Enlightenment):

• The Path to Enlightenment: This section focuses on understanding the true nature of the self and the path to enlightenment, guided by the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
• The Concept of "Ayatan": "Ayatan" refers to the body of the spiritually disciplined individual, particularly the pure and controlled body of a Muni. It is also extended to sacred places and idols that inspire spiritual thoughts.
• The True Dwelling Place: The true dwelling place of the soul is the pure and liberated self, not external structures. However, sacred places and idols serve as reminders and aids to contemplation.
• The Nature of the Enlightened Being: The text describes the qualities of the Tirthankaras and liberated souls, including their omniscience, detachment, and the absence of physical and karmic impurities.
• The Importance of Meditation and Contemplation: The text emphasizes the role of meditation and contemplation on the true self and the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
• The Goal of Spiritual Practice: The ultimate goal is to attain the state of liberation, characterized by omniscience, infinite bliss, and freedom from all karmic bonds.
• The Significance of Jain Symbols and Practices: The text touches upon the significance of various Jain symbols and practices in the journey towards enlightenment.
• The Attributes of the Soul: The soul is described as eternal, pure, and beyond physical descriptions.

5. Bhav Pahud (Teachings on Inner Disposition):

• The Primacy of Inner Disposition: This section critically emphasizes that true spiritual progress lies in the inner disposition (Bhava) rather than mere outward appearances (Dravya Linga).
• The Futility of Outward Renunciation Without Inner Purity: Renouncing external possessions without purifying the inner disposition (eliminating anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, etc.) is considered futile.
• The Cycle of Suffering: The text vividly portrays the endless suffering experienced in various lifetimes due to the lack of inner purity and attachment to worldly things.
• The Importance of Self-Realization: The true path to liberation lies in understanding and realizing the true nature of the self, free from karmic impurities.
• The Dangers of Ignorance and Misconceptions: Ignorance about the self and attachment to the material world lead to continued suffering.
• The Role of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct: The combined power of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct is essential for overcoming the cycle of birth and death.
• The Path to Purity and Liberation: Through self-discipline, detachment, and constant contemplation of the soul, one can achieve purity and ultimately liberation.
• The Significance of the Soul: The soul is the eternal, pure essence, and its realization is the ultimate goal.
• The Limitations of External Practices: Mere adherence to rituals or outward asceticism without inner conviction and understanding is insufficient for achieving liberation.
• The Path to Ultimate Bliss: The text stresses that true and eternal happiness is attained through inner purification and realization of the soul.

6. Moksha Pahud (Teachings on Liberation):

• The Ultimate Goal: This section deals with the state of liberation (Moksha), the ultimate aim of the spiritual path.
• The Nature of the Liberated Soul: The liberated soul is described as pure, omniscient, blissful, and beyond all physical and karmic limitations.
• The Role of Meditation: The text reiterates the importance of meditation and contemplation on the true self as the means to achieve liberation.
• The Path of Self-Realization: True liberation is achieved by understanding the distinction between the self and the non-self, and by purifying the soul through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• The Eradication of Karma: Liberation is attained through the eradication of all karmic bondage.
• The Importance of Renunciation: Renouncing worldly attachments and desires is crucial for achieving liberation.
• The Steadfastness of the Virtuous: Those who are firmly established in Right Faith and conduct remain unaffected by worldly disturbances and continue their spiritual journey towards liberation.
• The Path to Eternal Bliss: The ultimate aim is to achieve the eternal and supreme bliss of Moksha, a state of absolute purity and freedom.

Overall Message:

The "Shatpahud Granth" is a profound exposition of Jain philosophy, meticulously guiding the aspirant from the fundamental importance of Right Faith to the ultimate realization of liberation. It consistently underscores that true spirituality is an inner transformation, emphasizing the soul's inherent purity and the path to its rediscovery through knowledge, conduct, and unwavering devotion to the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The text serves as a practical guide, offering detailed explanations and poignant warnings against the pitfalls of ignorance and outward adherence without inner substance.