Swatantrata Ke Sutra Mokshshastra Tattvartha Sutra

The book "Swatantrata ke Sutra Mokshshastra Tattvartha Sutra" by Acharya Kanaknandi is a commentary on the Tattvartha Sutra, also known as Mokshashastra, aiming to explain the principles of absolute liberation. The title itself, "Sutras of Freedom," highlights its focus on Jain philosophy's path to spiritual liberation.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text based on the provided pages:

Core Jain Principles Explained:

• Six Substances (Dravyas): The book details the fundamental Jain concept of the six eternal substances that constitute the universe:
  • Jiva (Soul): The sentient substance, characterized by consciousness and experience.
  • Pudgala (Matter): The non-sentient substance, which is the basis of all physical forms and experiences.
  • Dharma: The medium of motion for souls and matter.
  • Adharma: The medium of rest for souls and matter.
  • Akasha (Space): The substance that provides space for all other substances.
  • Kala (Time): The substance that causes change and sequence of events.
• Nine Categories (Padarthas): These are elaborated as: Jiva, Ajiva (non-soul, encompassing the remaining five substances), Asrava (inflow of karmic matter), Bandha (bondage of the soul by karma), Samvara (stoppage of inflow), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Moksha (liberation), Punnya (merit), and Papa (demerit).
• Six Life Forms (Jiva Nikayas): This categorizes souls based on their sensory capabilities and forms of existence: Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Vegetation-bodied, and Mobile-bodied (with one to five senses).
• Six Thought-Points (Leshya): These describe the subtle psychological states of the soul, ranging from the darkest (Krishna, black) to the purest (Shukla, white).
• Five Vows (Vratas): The fundamental ethical principles of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/purity), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment).
• Five Carefulnesses (Samiti): Practices to ensure careful conduct in actions: Irya (careful walking), Bhasha (careful speech), Eshana (careful in accepting food), Adana-Niskhepana (careful in handling objects), and Utsarga (careful in relieving oneself).
• Five Knowledges (Gyana): The spectrum of knowledge attainable: Mati (sensory and mental knowledge), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience).
• Five Conducts (Charitra): The stages of spiritual conduct: Samayika (equanimity), Chedopasthapana (recovery from lapses), Parihara Vishuddhi (pure non-injury), Sukshma Samparaya (near total freedom from passion), and Yathakhyata (ideal, passionless conduct).

The Path to Liberation (Moksha Marga):

The book emphasizes that the path to liberation is constituted by the triad of Right Belief (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). These three are interconnected and are the root principles for achieving liberation. The text meticulously details each of these components:

• Samyak Darshana (Right Belief): This is defined as firm conviction in the true nature of reality (Tattvartha Shraddhan). It's attained through introspection or the teachings of the enlightened ones. The text discusses different types of right belief based on its origin and development.
• Samyak Gyana (Right Knowledge): This refers to accurate and pure knowledge of the soul and substances. It's classified into five types: Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, and Kevala Gyana, with an explanation of their nature and scope. The distinction between direct (Pratyaksha) and indirect (Paroksha) knowledge is also discussed.
• Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): This involves the practical application of right belief and right knowledge in daily life, leading to the cessation of karmic influx. It encompasses the observance of vows, carefulness, control over passions, meditation, and endurance of hardships.

Key Concepts and Explanations:

• Scientific and Philosophical Approach: The author, Acharya Kanaknandi, aims to present Jain principles from a scientific and logical perspective, making them accessible to modern understanding. The book draws parallels with scientific concepts like the theory of relativity in its explanation of Dharma and Adharma, and discusses the nature of matter (Pudgala) in a way that resonates with physics and chemistry.
• The Nature of Soul and Matter: The text delves into the fundamental difference between the soul (Jiva) and matter (Pudgala), emphasizing the soul's inherent purity and consciousness, obscured by karmic matter.
• Karmic Theory: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the intricate theory of Karma, its influx (Asrava), bondage (Bandha), stoppage (Samvara), shedding (Nirjara), and the ultimate liberation (Moksha). It details the causes of bondage (like passions, negligence, wrong beliefs) and the conditions that lead to different types of karmas and their manifestations.
• The Universe: The text provides a detailed cosmological view of the Jain universe, describing the six substances, the structure of the universe with its various realms (hells, heavens, human world), the cosmic egg-shaped structure of the universe, and the scientific explanations for celestial bodies like the sun and moon based on ancient Jain cosmology.
• Spiritual Discipline: The book outlines the practical aspects of spiritual discipline, including the importance of the three jewels (Ratnatraya), the role of vows and carefulness, the practice of austerities (Tapas), meditation (Dhyana), control of senses, and the virtues like forgiveness, humility, truthfulness, and contentment.
• Commentary on Tattvartha Sutra: As a commentary, the book systematically breaks down the Tattvartha Sutra, explaining each aphorism in detail, referencing other Jain scriptures like Gommatasara and Gommatsara Kanda, and also drawing upon other philosophical traditions for comparative understanding.
• Inspiration and Guidance: The book is presented as a guide for spiritual seekers, offering blessings and encouragement from revered Acharyas and Munis. The author's intention is to illuminate the path to liberation, making it comprehensible and actionable for contemporary society.
• The Author's Perspective: Acharya Kanaknandi expresses his intention to bridge the gap between spirituality and science, making religious principles understandable through a scientific lens. He also emphasizes the importance of imparting this knowledge to younger generations.

Structure and Content:

The provided text includes a detailed table of contents, outlining the progression of topics from the nature of the path to liberation, the soul, its states, the structure of the universe (hells, heavens, earth realms), substances, karmic influx, bondage, samvara, nirjara, and finally, the detailed exposition of the Tattvartha Sutra's principles. The commentary includes philosophical arguments, scientific correlations, and practical guidance for spiritual aspirants.

In essence, this book is a profound and comprehensive exploration of Jain philosophy, aiming to provide its readers with a clear understanding of the principles leading to spiritual freedom and the ultimate goal of Moksha.