Tattva Muktakalap - Book Summary

Comprehensive Summary of Tattva Muktakalap (Vol. I) and Sarvartha Siddhi

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, focusing on the Tattva Muktakalap and its commentary Sarvartha Siddhi, particularly highlighting the introductions, authorial details, and the philosophical scope covered in Volume I.

Book Title: Tattva Muktakalap and Sarvartha Siddhi with Anandadayini and Bhavaprakasa, Vol. I Author(s): D. Srinivasachar, M. ModelAndView. Narasimhachar (Editors) Publisher: Mysore Government Branch, University of Mysore Oriental Library Publications Sanskrit Series No.: 76 Publication Year: 1933 Price: Rs. 4

Introduction and Authorial Context (Pages 4-15)

The introduction provides a detailed overview of the Tattva Muktakalap and its accompanying commentaries.

Tattva Muktakalap: Described as a gem of philosophical literature, this work is composed in the Sragdhara verse and consists of 500 stanzas. It is divided into five Mahaprakaranas (major sections) covering Jada (inanimate), Jiva (animate), Chits (consciousness), Dravya (substance), and Sara (essence).
Sarvartha Siddhi: This is the primary commentary on Tattva Muktakalap, written by the author himself. It is praised for its comprehensiveness, following the structure of the Mahaprakaranas and providing necessary explanations without excessive brevity.
Anandadayini: This is a commentary on Sarvartha Siddhi, named aptly for its ability to bring joy. It elaborates on each topic, explains the rationale behind the author's arguments, and presents the context of various scriptural passages.
Bhavaprakasa: This is a further annotation or commentary on both Tattva Muktakalap and Sarvartha Siddhi.

Authorship and Lineage:

The text meticulously traces the lineage and contributions of the key figures involved:

Venkatanathadesikacharya (Vedantacharya): The author of Tattva Muktakalap and Sarvartha Siddhi. He is revered as a radiant jewel among poets and logicians, a treasure of virtues like learning and detachment, and also known as Nigamanthacharya. His lineage is traced back through his father Anantasuri and grandfather Pundarikakshasuri, and his mother Totaramba. He was a disciple of his maternal uncle, Yatindra Ramanujacharya, who was the grandson of Alavandar Ramanujacharya, the proponent of the mantra-artha tradition after Bhagavad Bhashyakara. His Paramaguru was Vatsya Varadacharya.
Narasimhadeva (Narasimharaja): The author of Anandadayini. He is identified as a disciple of Appalacharya (also known as Suracharya) and a descendant of Ramanujacharya.
Abhinava Rangnathatantraprakala Mahadeshikaha: The author of the Bhavaprakasa commentary. He is associated with the Parakala Math in Mysore and serves the divine sandals of Shri Lakshmi Hayagriva.

Time Period of Vedantacharya:

The text discusses the probable period of Vedantacharya's life, citing different scholarly estimations. While some place it between 1270-1372 AD, others suggest it was between 1268-1369 AD. The editors favor the former, considering its agreement with modern calculations of the Acharya's Charama Shloka (final verse).

Vedantacharya's Early Life and Training:

The text highlights Vedantacharya's precocious talent, receiving blessings from his Guru, Vatsya Varadaguru, even before reaching the age of five. He was deeply devoted to his lineage and was placed under the tutelage of his maternal uncle, Ramanujacharya, to receive a complete education in Vedanta. He is noted for his profound grasp of philosophical treatises and his ability to present complex arguments with clarity.

Contribution to Various Philosophical Schools:

The introduction emphasizes Vedantacharya's role in propagating the principles of Vishishtadvaita, building upon the foundations laid by his predecessors like Nathamuni, Yamunacharya, and Ramanujacharya. It lists numerous works attributed to him, covering poetry, drama, devotional hymns, religious treatises, architectural science, medicine, geography, and various philosophical works on logic, epistemology, and refutation of opposing schools of thought (like Charvaka, Bauddha, etc.).

Philosophical Scope of Volume I (Based on the Table of Contents - Pages 27-41)

The table of contents reveals the extensive philosophical and scientific topics covered in Volume I, focusing on the "Jada Dravya Sara" (Essence of Inanimate Substance):

Introduction to the Treatise: Covering Mangalacharana (auspicious invocation), distinction of the speaker's tradition, the unique nature of the treatise, reasons for its composition, settling the listener's mind, and the classification of substances.
Examination of Substance (Dravya Pariksha): This forms a significant portion, delving into the nature of substance, its subdivisions, and arguments against various schools of thought regarding its existence and characteristics.
Rejection of Dharmadharmi Non-existence: Critically analyzing arguments that deny the distinct existence of properties from substances.
Examination of the Three Gunas: Critiquing the Samkhya and Vedanta views on the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas).
Rejection of Prakriti's Inferential Basis: Refuting the Samkhya and Vedanta arguments for inferring Prakriti.
Rejection of Atomic Causality (Parmanu Karanavada): A detailed analysis and refutation of the atomic theories proposed by schools like Nyaya and Vaisheshika.
Assertion of Sahavyavada (Co-existing Causality): Presenting and defending the author's perspective on causality, likely within the framework of Vishishtadvaita.
Rejection of Momentariness (Kshanabhanga Nirasa): A comprehensive refutation of the Buddhist doctrine of momentariness.
Rejection of Causality Denial: Critiquing the Carvaka philosophy that denies the conventional understanding of cause and effect.
Examination of the Senses (Indriya Pariksha): Discussing the nature, number, and functioning of the senses.
Examination of the Elements (Bhuta Pariksha): Analyzing the fundamental elements, including their properties and existence, with specific focus on Akash (space).
Examination of Time (Kala Pariksha): Discussing the nature and reality of time.

Key Philosophical Themes and Critiques

The introductory and table of contents sections indicate that Volume I of this work engages in critical analysis of various philosophical schools, including:

Samkhya: Critiques of Prakriti, the Three Gunas, and the doctrine of Satkaryavada (the effect pre-exists in the cause).
Buddhism: Refutation of momentariness (Kshanabhanga), the denial of a permanent self (Nairatmya), and the theory of Vijaptimatra (consciousness-only).
Nyaya-Vaisheshika: Critiques of atomic theory (Parmanu Karanavada), the nature of senses, and the concept of inherence (Samavaya).
Charvaka (Lokayata): Refutation of materialistic and atheistic views, particularly their theories on causality and the nature of reality.
Advaita Vedanta: Implicit critiques might be present, especially concerning the nature of reality and the refutation of non-dualistic interpretations.

The depth and breadth of topics covered, particularly the detailed refutation of opposing philosophical systems, underscore the scholarly rigor and comprehensive nature of this work within the Indian philosophical tradition. The extensive list of cited works in the index further attests to the author's wide-ranging knowledge and the interdisciplinary nature of his philosophical discourse.