Tarak Tattvagyan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tarak Tattvagyan" by Meghdarshanvijay:

Book Title: Tarak Tattvagyan Author: Muni Shri Meghdarshanvijayji M. Sa. Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal, Surat Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008960/1

This book, "Tarak Tattvagyan," aims to bring the profound philosophical truths of Jainism to every household in a simple and accessible language. It is presented as a compilation of teachings originally published in the monthly magazine "Gher Betha Tattvagyan" (Tattvagyan at Home), inspired by Pujya Pandit Shri Chandrashekharvijayji M. Sa. and guided by Muni Shri Meghdarshanvijayji M. Sa.

The book covers fundamental Jain principles, explaining them through various examples, dialogues, and logical arguments. It is structured into sections that delve into key Jain concepts.

Key Themes and Content:

The Exalted Nature of Jain Dharma: The book begins by highlighting Jainism as the most practical and scientific religion in the world, quoting its recognition at an international religious conference. It emphasizes the unique Jain approach to actualizing ethical principles (like non-violence, truthfulness, etc.) through various practices like Diksha (renunciation), Paushadh Vrat (fasting and vows for a day), and Samayik (equanimity for 48 minutes).
The Existence and Nature of the Soul (Atma): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to proving the existence of the soul (Atma) as distinct from the body. It uses analogies, reasoning, and real-life examples, such as the story of Ramana Maharshi and the difference in vocabulary used for "body" and "soul," to establish that the soul is eternal, unchanging, and distinct from the physical form. The concept of "mine" is explored, differentiating between the soul's possession ("my body") and the soul itself.
The Nine Tattvas (Fundamentals): While the initial chapters focus on the soul, the book aims to cover the nine fundamental tattvas of Jainism (Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Papa, Ashrav, Samvar, Nirjara, Bandh, Moksha). This volume, however, specifically covers the first four: Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, and Papa.
Jiva (Soul/Living Beings):
- Classification of Jivas: The text details the classification of living beings based on the number of senses they possess, from Ekendriya (one-sensed) to Paunchendriya (five-sensed) beings.
- Ekendriya (One-Sensed) Jivas: It explains the five types of stationary (Sthavar) Ekendriya jivas: Prithvikaya (earth-bodied), Apkaya (water-bodied), Teukaya (fire-bodied), Vayukaya (air-bodied), and Vanaspatikaya (plant-bodied). It emphasizes that these are all living beings and highlights the Jain prohibitions against harming them, advocating for careful use of water (boiled water), avoidance of root vegetables (Kandamul), and mindful actions to minimize harm.
- Trikaya, Dwīndriya, Trīndriya, Chaturindriya: It elaborates on the two-sensed (e.g., worms), three-sensed (e.g., ants), and four-sensed (e.g., flies, mosquitoes) beings, explaining their classification and the ethical considerations in interacting with them.
- Paunchendriya (Five-Sensed) Jivas: These are further divided into Tiryanchgati (animal realm) and Manushya (human realm).
  - Tiryanchgati: The book details the classification of Tiryanch jivas based on their habitat (water, air, land) and their locomotion (four-footed, two-handed, chest-moving) and further by their origin (Garbhaj - conceived through union, and Sammurchhim - spontaneously generated). It stresses the importance of compassion towards all Tiryanch jivas and warns against the consumption of forbidden foods and the use of harmful practices.
  - Manushya Gati: It explains the classification of humans as Garbhaj and Sammurchhim, and how karmas influence one's birth, lifespan, and experiences.
- Deity and Hell Realms: The text describes the heavens (Devlok) and hells (Narak), emphasizing the karmic causes for rebirth in these realms and the suffering experienced there, particularly in the hellish realms. The concept of "Paramdhamī Devo" who inflict suffering on hell-beings is also discussed, highlighting that even these beings are subject to karmic consequences.
Ajiva (Non-living Substances): The book introduces the five Ajiva substances: Dharmastikaya (medium of motion), Adharmastikaya (medium of rest), Akashaastikaya (space), Pudgalastikaya (matter), and Kala (time). It explains their fundamental nature and role in the universe.
- Pudgalastikaya (Matter): This section delves into the nature of matter, explaining its pervasiveness and its various forms, including subtle particles (Paramanu) and combinations (Skandh). It highlights the impermanence and changing nature of matter, which is the basis for understanding detachment.
- Kala (Time): The concept of time, its immensity, and its role in the universe is explained.
Punya (Merit) and Papa (Demerit): The book extensively discusses the concept of Punya and Papa as the basis for happiness and suffering in life. It argues that while worldly accomplishments may seem to be the result of effort, true happiness, longevity, and positive qualities are ultimately rooted in Punya. It differentiates between Punya that leads to worldly enjoyment (Marak - destructive) and Punya that leads to spiritual progress (Tarak - liberating). Similarly, Papa leads to suffering, and its "Anubandh" (tendency or disposition) further perpetuates negative cycles. The importance of cultivating "Anubandh" towards good deeds and detachment from worldly pleasures is stressed.
Bandh and Anubandh (Bondage and Tendency): This section further clarifies that while actions (Bandh) create karmas, the underlying mental state and tendency (Anubandh) determine the quality of the results. Positive mental states and intentions lead to auspicious karmas and desirable outcomes, while negative states lead to inauspicious karmas and suffering. The four types of karma based on this are explained: Punyanubandhi Punya, Pap-anubandhi Papa, Pap-anubandhi Punya, and Punyanubandhi Papa.
The Lok Trilogy (Loka): The book describes the three realms of existence: Adholok (lower realms, including hells), Madhyalok (middle realm, where humans and animals reside), and Urdhvalok (upper realms, including heavens). The structure of the universe is depicted as a human-like form spread across 14 Rajlokas.
- The Three Kilbishika Devas: A fascinating account of specific categories of deities, the Kilbishika Devas, is provided, illustrating their unique duties and karmic backgrounds.
- The Celestial and Infernal Realms: The book details the various heavens (Devlok) and hells (Narak), their inhabitants, lifespans, and the consequences of their actions. The cyclical nature of existence across these realms is implied.
- The Cosmology of Jambudvīpa: The text elaborates on the Jain cosmology, describing Jambudvīpa, its mountains (like Meru Parvat), continents (Dvīpa), oceans (Samudra), and the division of the land into Karmabhumi (land of action) and Akarmabhumi (land of no action).
The Threefold Path to Liberation: Throughout the book, the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation) is presented as the highest aspiration. The emphasis is on understanding the true nature of the soul (Atma), practicing right conduct, and renouncing attachment to worldly things to achieve this state.

Overall Purpose:

"Tarak Tattvagyan" serves as an introductory guide to Jain philosophy for laypeople. It aims to foster ethical living, spiritual understanding, and ultimately, the aspiration for liberation by presenting complex doctrines in a relatable manner, making spiritual knowledge accessible for personal reflection and practice. The book encourages readers to cultivate virtues, understand the consequences of actions, and strive for self-realization.