Siddh Parmatma

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siddh Parmatma" by Ramanlal C. Shah, based on the provided pages:

The text "Siddh Parmatma" explores the concept of Siddhas in Jainism, their nature, attributes, and significance, particularly within the context of the Navkar Mantra.

1. The Place of Siddhas in the Navkar Mantra: The Navkar Mantra salutes the five supreme beings: Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. The ultimate goal for all beings is Moksha, Nirvana, or the Siddha state, which is the highest state of the soul. The text notes a subtle point: while the Siddha state is the ultimate goal, the Navkar Mantra first salutes the Arihant and then the Siddha. This order holds a deeper meaning, as Arihants are the ones who guide beings toward the Siddha state.

2. The Meaning and Types of "Siddha": The word "Siddha" is used in various philosophies with different interpretations. Generally, it means accomplished, perfect, divine, attained, complete, immortal, etc. In some philosophies, it refers to individuals possessing supernatural powers (Siddhis). When someone is called a "Siddha Purush," it implies they are self-realized and free from worldly desires and dependencies.

The text categorizes various types of "Siddhas" based on their accomplishments:

• General Types: Karma Siddha, Shilpa Siddha, Vidya Siddha, Mantra Siddha, Yoga Siddha, Agama Siddha, Artha Siddha, Yatra Siddha, Abhipraya Siddha, Tapas Siddha, Karma Kshaya Siddha.
• Specific Examples: Mamman Seth (Artha Siddha), Abhay Kumar (Abhipraya Siddha), Dadhprahari (Tapas Siddha).
• Fourteen Types: Name Siddha, Sthapana Siddha, Dravya Siddha, Karma Siddha, Shilpa Siddha, Vidya Siddha, Mantra Siddha, Yoga Siddha, Agama Siddha, Artha Siddha, Buddhi Siddha, Yatra Siddha, Tapas Siddha, Karma Kshaya Siddha.

Out of all these, Karma Kshaya Siddha is considered the highest and the true Siddha in the spiritual realm. The Siddha Parmatmas revered in the Navkar Mantra are of this type.

3. Jain Philosophical Definitions of Siddha: The text provides several scriptural definitions of a Siddha, highlighting key aspects:

• One whose entire purposes have been accomplished.
• One who has burnt the fuel of karmas through brilliant pure meditation (Shukla Dhyana).
• One who has attained the city of Nirvana and will not return.
• One whose incomparable happiness has been achieved.
• One who has destroyed the eight types of karmas.
• One whose acquired karmas have been reduced to ashes.
• One whose all tasks are completed.
• One who is the ruler of their own soul and experiences auspiciousness.
• One who is eternal and known for their inexhaustible qualities.
• One who has gone beyond (passed on) without returning.
• One whose purpose is fulfilled.
• One who has become a preceptor or is of an auspicious nature.

A significant verse summarizes these definitions: "He who has burnt ancient karmas, reached the pinnacle of the mansion of liberation, is renowned as the guide for the path of liberation, and whose all purposes are fulfilled – may that Shri Siddha Parmatma be auspicious to me."

4. Synonyms for Siddha and Siddha Gati: The text lists numerous synonyms for Siddha Parmatma and the state of Siddha Gati (Siddha state/liberation), including: Mukti, Nirvana, Kaivalya, Apavarga, Apunar-bhava, Shiva, Amrita Pad, Nishreyas, Shreyas, Mahananda, Brahma, Nirman, Nivritti, Mahodaya, Akshara, Sarva Karma Kshaya, Sarva Dukha Kshaya, and Pancham Gati.

5. Essential Qualities of Siddhas: Siddhas are described as being:

• Free from the bondage of eight karmas.
• Possessing eight great qualities.
• Supreme.
• Located at the apex of the universe (Lokagra).
• Eternal.

The Acharya Arang Sutra describes the Siddha state as beyond the reach of words, logic, and intellect. In this state, only pure consciousness, full of knowledge, resides.

6. The Nature of Siddhas: Siddhas are described as:

• Not physical: Not long, short, round, square, or any specific shape. They are not black, blue, red, yellow, white, fragrant, foul-smelling, sour, bitter, astringent, sweet, heavy, light, cold, hot, oily, dry, rough, smooth, etc. They are not male, female, or neuter.
• Formless (Arupi): They lack form, color, smell, taste, and touch.
• Possessing Infinite Qualities: They are endowed with infinite virtues.

7. The Eight Principal Qualities of Siddhas: These qualities emerge from the destruction of eight karmas:

1. Infinite Knowledge (Ananta Jnana): Resulting from the complete destruction of Jnanavaraniya karma, enabling knowledge of the entire universe and beyond.
2. Infinite Vision (Ananta Darshana): Resulting from the complete destruction of Darshanavaraniya karma, enabling general perception of all existence.
3. Unobstructed Happiness (Avyabadha Sukha): Resulting from the complete destruction of Vedaniya karma, signifying freedom from all suffering and pain.
4. Infinite Conduct (Ananta Charitra): Resulting from the complete destruction of Mohaniya karma, leading to detachment and pure conduct.
5. Inexhaustible State (Akshaya Sthiti): Resulting from the complete destruction of Ayushya karma, leading to an eternal, unchanging state.
6. Formlessness (Arupitva): Resulting from the complete destruction of Namakarma, making them incorporeal and imperceptible to the senses.
7. A-gurulaghutva (Neither heavy nor light): Resulting from the complete destruction of Gotra karma, signifying a state of perfect balance, neither falling nor floating away.
8. Infinite Potency (Ananta Virya): Resulting from the complete destruction of Antaraya karma, granting immense power.

8. The Role of Karmas in Attaining Siddhahood: The text details how the destruction of different types of karmas leads to specific qualities:

• Ghati Karmas (Destructive Karmas): Jnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, Mohaniya, and Antaraya. Their destruction leads to Kevala Jnana, Kevala Darshana, pure conduct, and infinite potency, respectively.
• Aghati Karmas (Non-Destructive Karmas): Ayushya, Nama, Gotra, and Vedaniya. Their destruction leads to eternal existence, formlessness, balance, and unobstructed happiness, respectively.

9. Siddhas vs. Arihants: While both are highly revered, Siddhas are considered superior to Arihants in terms of karmic purity.

• Arihants: Have destroyed the four Ghati karmas but still possess the four Aghati karmas. They are embodied and have a lifespan. They are the propagators of Jainism.
• Siddhas: Have destroyed all eight karmas. They are bodiless, eternal, and unchanging. They have already attained liberation.

The reason Arihants are saluted first in the Navkar Mantra is that they are the guides who reveal the path to Siddhahood. They are visible and teach the dharma, making the path accessible.

10. The Siddha State and Siddha Shila:

• Attaining Siddhahood: Siddhas ascend to the apex of the universe (Lokagra) and reside on the Siddha Shila (Siddha Rock).
• Siddha Shila: This is an eternal, luminous, pure, and auspicious place at the top of the universe. It is described as being vast, white, like a disc or an umbrella, and made of pure substances.
• The Ascension: After the soul sheds its last body (at the end of Ayushya karma), it ascends to the Siddha Shila. This upward movement is natural for the pure soul, like the flame of a fire or a seed breaking free from its pod.
• The Nature of Siddha Soul's Location: Siddhas reside on the Siddha Shila, which is described as being above the last boundary of the cosmos. Their souls are formless (Arupi) and occupy space without touching any physical substance, a concept explained through analogies like dispersed light or the natural upward tendency of a purified substance.

11. Types of Siddhas: The text enumerates fifteen types of Siddhas based on various factors like the presence or absence of a Tirthankara, their individual spiritual awakening, their previous lives, their gender, their spiritual path, and the number of Siddhas at a given time.

12. The Bliss of Siddhahood: The happiness experienced by Siddhas is described as infinite, unassailable, eternal, and beyond comprehension. It is not dependent on physical senses or worldly pleasures. It is a state of pure self-realization and bliss derived from the soul's inherent nature. This bliss is immeasurably greater than any happiness experienced by humans or even gods.

13. Significance of Saluting Siddhas:

• Saluting Siddhas is considered highly beneficial, leading to liberation from numerous lifetimes of suffering.
• It helps in overcoming negative thoughts and fosters spiritual aspiration.
• It purifies one from sins and is considered the primary auspicious act.
• The practice of meditating on Siddhas can lead to worldly benefits like "Garima Siddhi" (a form of spiritual power).

14. Meditation and Worship of Siddhas: The text explains that Siddhas are meditated upon with a red complexion, symbolizing the fire that burns karmas. They are also associated with various chakras in the body for meditation purposes. The worship of Siddhas, through specific rituals and the recitation of their mantras, is emphasized for spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation.

15. The Concept of Infinite Beings: A key Jain philosophical concept highlighted is that the number of souls in the universe, whether in the cycle of rebirth or in the Siddha state, remains infinite. Even though countless souls attain Siddhahood, the total number of souls in the cycle of rebirth remains infinite, and the number of Siddhas also remains infinite. This is explained through the properties of infinity in mathematics, where adding or subtracting finite or infinite quantities does not change the infinite nature.

In essence, "Siddh Parmatma" is a detailed exploration of the highest spiritual state in Jainism, emphasizing the purity, perfection, and eternal bliss of the Siddhas, their unique qualities derived from the eradication of all karmas, and their profound significance in the spiritual journey of every soul. The text encourages devotion and emulation of the Siddhas' path to achieve ultimate liberation.