Siddhant Rahasya Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siddhant Rahasya Part 01" by Devchandra Upadhyay:

Title: Siddhant Rahasya Part 01 (Secrets of Siddhant, Collection of Topics) Author: Upadhyay Devchandraji Maharaj Publisher: Gangji Virji Shah, Kachh-patri resident First Edition: 1937 AD / Vikram Samvat 1994

Overall Purpose: The book aims to present the essence (rahasya or saar) of core Jain philosophical principles, which are originally in Prakrit (Magadhi) and elaborated in Sanskrit by ancient acharyas. Due to the complexity of these original texts, this book aims to make the "secrets" or core teachings accessible to the common person. It primarily focuses on "Dravyānu yoga" (the study of substances) and secondarily on "Charaṇakaraṇānu yoga" (the study of conduct and actions). The author states that while similar collections have been printed before, this work includes significant improvements and novel insights, especially in topics like āgati-gati (coming and going) and guṇasthānas (stages of spiritual development).

Key Sections and Topics Covered:

The book is structured around various Jain philosophical concepts, presented in a topic-wise (Thokda Sangraha) manner. The table of contents lists 32 primary topics:

1. Jīva Vichāra (Study of Soul/Living Beings): This is an extensive section detailing the classification of living beings.

   • Six Jīva Nikāyas: Indrasthāvara kāya, Brahmāsthāvara kāya, Shilpasthāvara kāya, Sammati sthāvara kāya, Prajāpatya sthāvara kāya, and Jaṅgama kāya.
   • Six Jīva Nikāya Gotras: Pṛthvīkāya (earth-bodied), Appkaya (water-bodied), Tejskāya (fire-bodied), Vāyukāya (air-bodied), Vanaspatikāya (plant-bodied), and Trasakāya (mobile beings).
   • Detailed Classification of Each Body: The text elaborates on the characteristics, types (e.g., subtle/gross, sufficient/insufficient), numbers of beings, dimensions of their bodies, lifespans, and the importance of non-violence towards each category.
     • Pṛthvīkāya: Mentions various types of earth, minerals, and metals, stating that even a small particle contains countless beings.
     • Appkāya: Discusses different types of water (rain, well, ocean, etc.) and the beings within them.
     • Tejskāya: Describes various forms of fire (hearth, lightning, etc.) and their inhabitants.
     • Vāyukāya: Details different types of air and how beings are harmed by actions like speaking with an open mouth or fanning.
     • Vanaspatikāya: Distinguishes between pratyeka (individual) and sādhāraṇa (common) plant bodies, explaining their characteristics and enumerating numerous examples of each.
     • Trasakāya: Classifies mobile beings into bi-sensory (e.g., worms), tri-sensory (e.g., ants), tetra-sensory (e.g., flies), and penta-sensory (five-sensed) beings. It further breaks down penta-sensory beings into Narakas (hell beings), Tiryanchas (animals), Humans, and Devas (celestial beings), providing details on their sub-categories, numbers, lifespans, and lifespans.
   • Types of Beings: Mentions various ways of classifying beings based on soul-consciousness (Saṃjñī/Asaṃjñī), karma-possessing states (sakashāyī/akashāyī), and leśyā (subtle karmic colors).

2. Navatattva (Nine Universal Truths): This section explains the nine fundamental tattvas of Jainism:

   • Jīva (Soul)
   • Ajīva (Non-soul/Matter)
   • Puṇya (Merit)
   • Pāpa (Demerit)
   • Āshrava (Influx of karma)
   • Saṃvara (Stoppage of karma)
   • Nirjarā (Shedding of karma)
   • Bandha (Bondage of karma)
   • Mokṣa (Liberation) It provides definitions and explanations for each tattva, with Āshrava and Saṃvara being elaborated with concepts like vrata (vows) and samiti (carefulness).

3. Punyatattva (Merit): Discusses how merit is acquired through nine actions (giving food, water, shelter, clothes, mental purity, pure speech, pure action, reciting Namokar Mantra) and the 42 types of auspicious results (phala) it yields, such as pleasant experiences, high status, and favorable rebirths.

4. Pāpatattva (Demerit): Explains the 18 types of demerit (demeritorious actions like violence, falsehood, theft, etc.) and the 82 types of inauspicious results they bring, including various types of knowledge-obscuring and perception-obscuring karmas, unfavorable states, and unfavorable rebirths.

5. Āshratattva (Influx): Describes the 42 causes of karma influx, stemming from delusion (mithyātva), vows (avrata), negligence (pramāda), passions (kashāya), and improper activities (yog).

6. Saṃvaratattva (Stoppage): Details the 57 practices that lead to the stoppage of karma influx, including the five samitis (carefulness), three guptis (restraints), adherence to the 25 practices of Conduct (pravachana mātā), conquering 22 types of hardships (pariṣaha), observing 10 ethical codes (yati dharma), and meditating on the 12 reflections (bhāvanā).

7. Nirjarātattva (Shedding): Explains that shedding of karma occurs through 12 types of austerities (tapas), divided into six external (unśana, ūnodarikā, etc.) and six internal (prāyaśchitta, vinaya, etc.).

8. Bandhatattva (Bondage): Discusses the four types of karma bondage: prakṛtibandha (type of karma), sthitibandha (duration), anubhāva (intensity/quality), and pradeśhabandha (quantity of karmic particles). It uses the analogy of a modak (sweet) to explain these concepts.

9. Mokṣhatattva (Liberation): Describes liberation as freedom from all karmas and attainment of the Siddha state. It mentions 15 types of Siddhas and the four means to attain liberation: knowledge, faith, conduct, and austerity. It further elaborates on the nine aspects of Spatadra (the ultimate reality) concerning Siddhas: existence, substance, space, touch, time, form, karma-state, spiritual stage, and the relative majority/minority of beings.

10. Dandaka (Categories/Systems): This is a very detailed section explaining 24 "dandakas" or categories, which are essentially classificatory systems based on various philosophical aspects. It elaborates on:

    • Dandakas for Naraka (Hell Beings): Based on the seven hells and their characteristic features.
    • Dandakas for Bhavanapati Devas: Based on the ten types of Bhavanapati celestial beings.
    • Dandakas for the Five Shthavaras (Immobile Beings): Earth, water, fire, air, and plants.
    • Dandakas for the Three Viklentriyas (Limited-Sensed Beings): Bi-sensory, tri-sensory, and tetra-sensory beings.
    • Dandaka for Tiryanchs (Mobile Beings): Detailed classification of aquatic, terrestrial, crawling, and flying beings.
    • Dandaka for Humans: Covering various types of humans (based on karma-bhūmi, akarma-bhūmi, and antar-dvīpas, as well as samūcchima/garbhaja).
    • Dandakas for Vyantara, Jyotishka, and Vaimanika Devas: Classifying celestial beings.
    • Dandaka for Siddhas: Describing the state of liberated souls. For each dandaka, it provides details about their body, lifespan, senses, leśyā, karma, modes of existence, etc.

11. Gūṇasthāna Vichāra (Stages of Spiritual Development): This is another extensive section, explaining the 14 stages of spiritual progress. It details:

    • Names: The 14 stages themselves.
    • Characteristics: The defining features of each stage.
    • Lifespan (Sthiti): The duration spent in each stage.
    • Actions (Kriya): The karmic activities associated with each stage.
    • State of Existence (Sattā): The karmas that are present or absent.
    • Bondage (Bandha): Which karmas are being bound.
    • Suffering (Veda): Experiences of pleasure or pain.
    • Udaya (Karmic fruition): Which karmas are currently fructifying.
    • Udirana (Karmic intensification): Which karmas are being intensified.
    • Nirjarā (Karma shedding): How karmas are being shed.
    • Bhāva (Spiritual state): The spiritual disposition.
    • Cause (Kāraṇa): The underlying reasons for being in that stage.
    • Hardships (Pariṣaha): The types of hardships that are relevant.
    • Markgaṇā (Spiritual paths): Which paths lead to or from a stage.
    • Soul (Ātmā): How the soul functions at each stage.
    • Types of Souls: The classification of souls within each stage.
    • Yogas (Activities): The types of mental, verbal, and physical activities.
    • Upayoga (Consciousness focus): The focus of consciousness.
    • Leśyā (Karmic colors): The subtle colors associated with each stage.
    • Dharma (Conduct): The level of righteousness or virtue.
    • SamYakṭva (Right Faith): The state of right faith.
    • Alpabahutva (Relative numbers): Comparing the numbers of souls in different stages.
    • Kṣhepaka (Karmic emission/shedding): How karmas are emitted or shed through specific practices.
    • Dandaka (Categorization): How beings are categorized within each stage.
    • Jīva-yoni (Origin of Soul): The different origins of souls in each stage.
    • Antara (Interval): The intervals between different stages.
    • Dhyāna (Meditation): The types of meditation practiced.
    • Sparśana (Touch): The nature of touch experienced.
    • Bhāva (Mental state): The spiritual states.
    • Pariṁāṇa (Modification): The modifications of the soul.
    • Bandha (Bondage): The karmic bondage.
    • Veda (Suffering/Experience): The experience of pleasure or pain.

12. Baṣaṭa-bola Vichāra (Consideration of 62 Topics): This section systematically analyzes 62 different philosophical topics, relating them to various classifications of beings, their stages, yogas, leśyās, etc. It appears to be a comprehensive cross-referencing of concepts.

13. Karma Prakṛti Vichāra (Study of Karma Types): This section details the eight types of karma and their specific effects. It describes how each karma obscures certain qualities of the soul (e.g., Jñānāvaraṇīya obscures infinite knowledge). It lists the causes for the bondage of each karma type and the results (phala) of these karmas. It also outlines the duration (sthiti) and non-fruition period (abādhakāla) of various karmas. The text enumerates 93 specific types of nāma-karma (name-karma) and elaborates on the causes and results of merit (puṇya) and demerit (pāpa) karmas.

14. Dharmadhyāna Vichāra (Study of Righteous Meditation): This section explains the concept of Dharmadhyāna (pure meditation focused on righteous principles). It details the four types of Dharmadhyāna (Ājnāvija, Avāyavija, Vivāgavija, Sansthānavija), their four characteristics (Ānāruci, Nisargaruci, Sūtraruci, Upadeśharuci), four objects of focus (Ālambana: Vāyanā, Pucchaṇā, Parivarttanā, Anupekṣhā), and the four types of reflections (Anuprekṣhā: Ekatva, Anitya, Amaraṇa, Sansāra). It emphasizes the importance of understanding these principles for spiritual progress.

15. Padavī Vichāra (Study of Status/Ranks): This section discusses various statuses or ranks, including those related to gems (seven celestial gems, seven Panchaindriya gems), and nine major ranks like Arihant, Chakravarti, Kevalī, Sādhu, Shravaka, etc. It also details the functions of these gems and their origins.

16. Chakravarti Chaturdaśha Dwāra (Fourteen Aspects of a Chakravarti King): This section describes fourteen specific kings who were Chakravartīs, detailing their city of birth, parents, lifespan, physical attributes, periods spent as prince, administrator, ruler, and ascetic, their spiritual preceptors, their celestial rebirths, and the Tirthankara whose lineage they belonged to.

17. Vāsudeva, Baladeva, Prativāsudeva Aspects: This section covers the twelve aspects related to Vāsudeva, Baladeva, and Prativāsudeva figures in Jain history, including their lineage, parents, lifespan, physical attributes, origins, spiritual preceptors, their activities (e.g., going to hell, attaining liberation), and their connection to specific Tirthankaras. It also lists the seven jewels of a Vāsudeva and their attributes.

18. Gaṇadhara Dwāra (The Twelve Aspects of Gaṇadharas): This section details the twelve key aspects of the ten Gaṇadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras), including their birthplace, parents, constellation at birth, name, lineage, any doubts they had, their renunciation, time spent as householders, time spent in the state of chādmāstha (karmically veiled), time spent in Kevala-jnāna (omniscience), and their total lifespan. It also mentions their common characteristics like being from Brahmin families, learned, and the holders of the twelve Angas.

19. Twenty Tirthankaras in Vivāhamāna State (Twelve Aspects): This section describes twenty Tirthankaras who are currently living in vivāhamāna (actively roaming and preaching in this era, particularly in Mahāvideha). For each, it details their land of birth, region (e.g., Mahāvideha), city, parents, lifespan, physical features, lineage, wife, lifespan as prince, ruler, and ascetic, time to omniscience, number of disciples, and number of Kevalīs.

20. Leśyā Vichāra (Study of Subtle Karmic Colors): This explains the six leśyās (Kṛṣṇa, Nīla, Kāpota, Tejas, Padma, Śukla), their colors, tastes, smells, textures, association with specific states of beings (hell, human, celestial), and their effects on spiritual progress. It differentiates between dravya leśyā (karmic matter) and bhāva leśyā (karmic states of mind).

21. Bhava-Saṃvedha Vichāra (Study of Interconnectedness of Lives): This section explores the concept of bhava-saṃvedha, discussing how beings transmigrate between different lifefoms and stages of existence, influenced by their karma and lifespans. It details the number of "bhavas" (lives) a being might take in various states (hells, heavens, human, animal) based on their lifespan and karma.

22. Samudghāta Svarūpa (Nature of Soul Expansion): This section explains the seven types of Samudghāta (expansion of the soul beyond the physical body), which are experienced by both mundane beings (chādmāstha) and Kevalīs (omniscient beings). It details the purpose and process of each type, such as Vedanā Samudghāta (for suffering), Kaṣāya Samudghāta (for passions), Maraṇāntika Samudghāta (before death), and Kevalī Samudghāta (by omniscient beings).

23. Pañcha Jñāna Svarūpa (Nature of the Five Types of Knowledge): This section describes the five types of knowledge in Jainism: Matijñāna (sense-based knowledge), Śrutajñāna (scriptural knowledge), Avadhijñāna (clairvoyance), Manahparyavajñāna (mind-reading knowledge), and Kevalajñāna (omniscience). It details their characteristics, scope, and limitations, including the number of subtypes for Mati and Śruta knowledge.

24. Rūpi-Arupī Bodha Gāthā (Verses on Corporeal and Incorporeal): This section presents verses that distinguish between the corporeal (rūpi) and incorporeal (arūpi) substances in Jain philosophy, relating them to karma, mind, speech, body, leśyā, and the tattvas.

25. Pramāṇa Bodha Vichāra (Study of Measurement and Quantification): This section delves into the intricate system of measurement in Jainism, explaining the concepts of Ātmāṅgula (soul's finger), Utsedhāṅgula (standard finger), and Pramāṇāṅgula (measured finger). It provides detailed calculations for converting these units and measuring various entities like cities, mountains, and cosmic structures. It also explains the concept of palya (a unit of time measurement) and its various forms (uddhara, addhā, kṣhetra).

26. Siddhānta Māna Vichāra (Study of Principles and Measures): This section lists numerous Jain scriptures (Āgamas) and their sub-texts, including Anga-sūtras, Upānga-sūtras, Cheda-sūtras, Mūla-sūtras, and Paìnnas (Pañcāṅga). It provides information on their authors, number of verses, commentaries (chūrṇi, bhāṣya, țīkā), and their significance. It also touches upon the classification of scriptures into Kālika (time-bound) and Utkālika (time-independent).

27. Niyanthā Vichāra (Study of Ascetics/Nirgranthas): This section explains the different categories and spiritual stages of Jain ascetics (nirgranthas). It details the classification of ascetics into six types (pūlaka, bakusha, pratisevanā kushi, kaṣāya kushi, nirgranth, and snātaka) and their respective characteristics, spiritual states, conduct, knowledge, and stages of spiritual discipline.

28. Kāya Sthiti Vichāra (Study of Corporeal Persistence/Lifespan): This section discusses the lifespan and duration of existence in various states of beings, from hell-dwellers to celestial beings, humans, animals, and plants. It categorizes these lifespans based on their subtle and gross forms, and their sufficiency or insufficiency in fulfilling bodily needs. It also touches upon the concept of bhava-saṃvedha in relation to lifespans.

29. Chakravarti Chaturdaśha Dwāra (Fourteen Aspects of a Chakravarti King): This section details fourteen specific kings who were Chakravartīs, providing biographical information, their connection to Tirthankaras, and their spiritual journeys.

30. Vāsudeva, Baladeva, Prativāsudeva Aspects: This section covers the twelve aspects related to Vāsudeva, Baladeva, and Prativāsudeva figures in Jain history, including their lineage, parents, lifespan, physical attributes, origins, spiritual preceptors, their activities (e.g., going to hell, attaining liberation), and their connection to specific Tirthankaras. It also lists the seven jewels of a Vāsudeva and their attributes.

31. Gaṇadhara Dwāra (The Twelve Aspects of Gaṇadharas): This section details the twelve key aspects of the ten Gaṇadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras), including their birthplace, parents, constellation at birth, name, lineage, any doubts they had, their renunciation, time spent as householders, time spent in the state of chādmāstha (karmically veiled), time spent in Kevala-jnāna (omniscience), and their total lifespan.

32. Twenty Tirthankaras in Vivāhamāna State (Twelve Aspects): This section describes twenty Tirthankaras who are currently living in vivāhamāna (actively roaming and preaching in this era, particularly in Mahāvideha). For each, it details their land of birth, region (e.g., Mahāvideha), city, parents, lifespan, physical features, lineage, wife, lifespan as prince, ruler, and ascetic, time to omniscience, number of disciples, and number of Kevalīs.

33. Leśyā Vichāra (Study of Subtle Karmic Colors): This explains the six leśyās (Kṛṣṇa, Nīla, Kāpota, Tejas, Padma, Śukla), their colors, tastes, smells, textures, association with specific states of beings (hell, human, celestial), and their effects on spiritual progress. It differentiates between dravya leśyā (karmic matter) and bhāva leśyā (karmic states of mind).

34. Bhava-Saṃvedha Vichāra (Study of Interconnectedness of Lives): This section explores the concept of bhava-saṃvedha, discussing how beings transmigrate between different lifefoms and stages of existence, influenced by their karma and lifespans. It details the number of "bhavas" (lives) a being might take in various states (hells, heavens, human, animal) based on their lifespan and karma.

35. Samudghāta Svarūpa (Nature of Soul Expansion): This section explains the seven types of Samudghāta (expansion of the soul beyond the physical body), which are experienced by both mundane beings (chādmāstha) and Kevalīs (omniscient beings). It details the purpose and process of each type, such as Vedanā Samudghāta (for suffering), Kaṣāya Samudghāta (for passions), Maraṇāntika Samudghāta (before death), and Kevalī Samudghāta (by omniscient beings).

36. Pañcha Jñāna Svarūpa (Nature of the Five Types of Knowledge): This section describes the five types of knowledge in Jainism: Matijñāna (sense-based knowledge), Śrutajñāna (scriptural knowledge), Avadhijñāna (clairvoyance), Manahparyavajñāna (mind-reading knowledge), and Kevalajñāna (omniscience). It details their characteristics, scope, and limitations, including the number of subtypes for Mati and Śruta knowledge.

37. Rūpi-Arupī Bodha Gāthā (Verses on Corporeal and Incorporeal): This section presents verses that distinguish between the corporeal (rūpi) and incorporeal (arūpi) substances in Jain philosophy, relating them to karma, mind, speech, body, leśyā, and the tattvas.

38. Pramāṇa Bodha Vichāra (Study of Measurement and Quantification): This section delves into the intricate system of measurement in Jainism, explaining the concepts of Ātmāṅgula (soul's finger), Utsedhāṅgula (standard finger), and Pramāṇāṅgula (measured finger). It provides detailed calculations for converting these units and measuring various entities like cities, mountains, and cosmic structures. It also explains the concept of palya (a unit of time measurement) and its various forms (uddhara, addhā, kṣhetra).

39. Siddhānta Māna Vichāra (Study of Principles and Measures): This section lists numerous Jain scriptures (Āgamas) and their sub-texts, including Anga-sūtras, Upānga-sūtras, Cheda-sūtras, Mūla-sūtras, and Paìnnas (Pañcāṅga). It provides information on their authors, number of verses, commentaries (chūrṇi, bhāṣya, țīkā), and their significance. It also touches upon the classification of scriptures into Kālika (time-bound) and Utkālika (time-independent).

40. Niyanthā Vichāra (Study of Ascetics/Nirgranthas): This section explains the different categories and spiritual stages of Jain ascetics (nirgranthas). It details the classification of ascetics into six types (pūlaka, bakusha, pratisevanā kushi, kaṣāya kushi, nirgranth, and snātaka) and their respective characteristics, spiritual states, conduct, knowledge, and stages of spiritual discipline.

41. Kāya Sthiti Vichāra (Study of Corporeal Persistence/Lifespan): This section discusses the lifespan and duration of existence in various states of beings, from hell-dwellers to celestial beings, humans, animals, and plants. It categorizes these lifespans based on their subtle and gross forms, and their sufficiency or insufficiency in fulfilling bodily needs. It also touches upon the concept of bhava-saṃvedha in relation to lifespans.

42. Alpabahutva (Relative Numbers): The text concludes with an Alpabahutva section, comparing the relative numbers of beings across various categories and stages, illustrating the vastness of the Jain cosmos and the diverse states of existence.

Key Features and Contributions:

• Accessibility: The primary goal is to simplify complex Jain philosophical concepts for a broader audience.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It touches upon fundamental Jain doctrines, including ontology (dravyas), metaphysics (tattvas), karmic theory, spiritual path (guṇasthāna), cosmology, and history of Tirthankaras and ascetics.
• Detailed Classifications: The text offers meticulous classifications of living beings and their states, demonstrating the Jain emphasis on detailed analysis.
• Historical/Textual Basis: The author explicitly mentions drawing from various scriptures like Sthāṇāṅga Sūtra, Bhagavtī Sūtra, Jīvābhigama, Paṇṇavaṇā, Anuogadvāra, Nandī, Uttarādhyayana, Jāmbūdvīpa Prajñapti, and their commentaries, as well as other influential works like Karmagrantha and Lokaprakāśa.
• Improvements on Previous Works: The author highlights that this work offers significant enhancements and new perspectives compared to earlier collections of similar topics.
• Spiritual Guidance: By explaining these principles, the book aims to guide readers towards spiritual understanding and liberation.

In essence, "Siddhānta Rahasya Part 01" is a foundational text designed to illuminate the core tenets of Jain philosophy, making them understandable and applicable to a wider audience, thereby facilitating spiritual growth and adherence to Jain principles.