Tarkna Tankna Shraddhanu Shilpa

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tarkna Tankna Shraddhanu Shilpa" by Acharya Dev Shri Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Tarkna Tankna Shraddhanu Shilpa (The Sculpture of Faith Built with the Chisels of Logic) Author: Pujya Acharya Dev Shri Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj Saheb Editor: Pujya Muniraj Shri Udayvallabhvijayji Maharaj Saheb Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust

Overall Theme and Purpose:

The book, "Tarkna Tankna Shraddhanu Shilpa," aims to illustrate how logic (Tark) and reasoning, when used as precise chisels, can intricately carve and strengthen faith (Shraddha) into a beautiful and robust sculpture. It emphasizes that while logic has its limits, it serves as a crucial tool for building and deepening faith. The text delves into various philosophical and practical aspects of Jainism, addressing complex questions with insightful reasoning and spiritual depth, as exemplified by the author's own approach.

Key Themes and Concepts Discussed:

1. The Interplay of Logic and Faith:

   • The title itself highlights the core message: logic is the tool, and faith is the art of sculpting.
   • Logic, like a street dog, has speed and sharpness but reaches a limit. Faith, however, is vast and can transcend those limits.
   • Logic is instrumental in building faith, enabling the creation of a beautiful "sculpture" of faith.

2. Acharya Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji's Unique Approach:

   • The book showcases the author's remarkable ability to raise pertinent questions and provide profound, thought-provoking answers that resonate with both intellect and heart.
   • He possessed a unique talent for extracting life's secrets from even the smallest fragments of stories and uncovering hidden meanings within hymns and devotional verses.
   • His prolific writing, spread across thousands of pages in periodicals and over a hundred books, was characterized by his method of posing questions with "Why now, like this?" and then offering satisfying resolutions with "Here, the truth to be known is..."

3. The Six Pillars of Scriptural Interpretation (Lakshana):

   • The text elaborates on the six methods of understanding scriptures mentioned in texts like Anuyogadwaradi:
     • Samhita (संहिता): Recitation of the scripture.
     • Pad (पद): Breaking down the scripture into individual words.
     • Padartha (पदार्थ): Explaining the meaning of each word.
     • Padavigrah (पदविग्रह): Analyzing the etymology, compound words, etc., of each word.
     • Chalana (चालना): Raising questions or stimulating inquiry (often by disciples or the guru himself).
     • Pratyavastana (प्रत्यवस्थान): Providing precise and accurate solutions to these questions (the guru's domain).
   • "Chalana" and "Pratyavastana" are likened to the wheels of a chariot, enabling a deep journey from word meaning to the ultimate purpose (Tatparyartha).

4. The Importance of Inquiry and Discussion:

   • The book emphasizes that contemplation and debate (Uhapoh) are essential for solidifying understanding, quoting scriptures that highlight the need for inquiry.
   • While disciples typically raise questions, the Acharya also took on this role when the disciples' intellect might not be sharp enough.

5. Illustrative Questions and Themes:

   • The text presents a series of thought-provoking questions that were often posed by Acharya Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji, covering various aspects of Jain philosophy and practice. These include:
     • Why were the sisters sent to Bahubali Muni after a year?
     • The nature of karma and its binding (e.g., Nichgotra karma).
     • The sequence of imparting conduct (Charitra) and knowledge (Tripadi).
     • The primary meaning in "Namo Arihantanam."
     • The relevance of worrying about death in the present.
     • The paradox of good parents having a wayward child.
     • The superiority of meditation (Samayik) over ritualistic worship.
     • The purpose of circumambulation.
     • The impact of one's karma on another's intellect.
     • The worshipability of stone idols.
     • The transition from cosmic meditation to self-meditation.
     • The reason for scriptural texts being in Magadhi-Prakrit.
     • The nature of God's compassion.
     • The merit of non-observance versus breaking a vow.
   • These questions are presented not to provide answers within the summary but to illustrate the depth and breadth of the topics explored, encouraging readers to delve into the book.

6. Insights into Jain Principles:

   • Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashta Pratīhārya): The text delves into the symbolic meaning of these symbols, explaining them as representations of the Arihant's virtues and teachings rather than inherent powers they possess. For instance, the Ashok tree symbolizes the refuge provided by the Arihant's non-violent teachings.
   • Tirthankara's Renunciation: The apparent contradiction of Tirthankaras marrying and enjoying worldly life while maintaining detachment is explained through the power of their inherent detachment (Virāg) and the influence of Charitra-Mohaniya karma, which necessitates these outward actions but does not bind their inner state.
   • The Distinction Between Bodhi and Tirthankara-Nama Karma: The text differentiates between the general capacity for enlightenment (Tathābhavyatva) and the specific factors that lead to becoming a Tirthankara, emphasizing the role of a highly refined spiritual inclination (Varbodhi) and the resulting accumulation of exceptional merit (Tirthankara-Nama Karma).
   • The Practice of Devotion: The author explains how the seeming lack of a direct response from the ever-present and omniscient Lord Mahavir to the pleas of Jīraṇa Seth was not due to indifference but to His internal focus (Antarātmabhāva) and the understanding that external hardships sometimes serve the soul's purification and karma expenditure.
   • The Significance of Rituals: The book implicitly defends the importance of external rituals like worship, circumambulation, and chanting, explaining their role in gradually refining the mind, fostering faith, and preparing the individual for deeper spiritual practice.
   • The Nature of Karma and Liberation: Various discussions touch upon the intricacies of karma, the path to liberation, and the role of righteous conduct, knowledge, and faith.
   • The Importance of Internal Disposition: The text consistently highlights that true spiritual progress comes from the internal disposition and mental attitude, even in the face of external circumstances or actions.

7. The Role of the Editor and Publisher:

   • The "Prakāshīyam" (Publisher's Note) acknowledges the immense service rendered by Acharya Vijaybhuvanbhanusurishwarji during his sixty years of spiritual life.
   • It praises his profound contribution through both his speeches and writings, noting his unique ability to pose questions and provide satisfying answers.
   • It expresses gratitude to Muniraj Shri Udayvallabhvijayji for meticulously compiling these "mouktiks" (pearls of wisdom) from the Acharya's vast body of work.
   • Divya Darshan Trust, through Kumarpal V. Shah, is credited with making this compilation available.

Conclusion:

"Tarkna Tankna Shraddhanu Shilpa" is presented as a guide that not only sharpens intellectual understanding but also ignites spiritual fervor, strengthens faith, and cultivates detachment and devotion. The book is a testament to the author's profound scholarship and deep spiritual insights, offering a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of Jainism. The selection of questions and their nuanced answers serve as a powerful invitation to explore the depths of Jain philosophy and the author's unique spiritual legacy.