Tattvagyan Pathmala 2 - Book Summary

This document is the second part of a Jain religious text titled "Tattvagyan Pathmala 2," authored by Hukamchand Bharilla and published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur. It is a translation from Hindi to Gujarati. The text is intended for personal use and was made available online by Rajesh and Jyoti Shah in memory of their mother, Laxmiben Premchand Shah.

The book is structured into several lessons (Path) covering various aspects of Jain philosophy:

Lesson 1: Mahavirāshtak Stotra: This lesson presents an eight-verse hymn dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. It praises his divine qualities, such as his omniscient knowledge, compassionate teachings, victory over desires, and his role as a savior. The hymn is attributed to Kaviwar Bhagchandji.
Lesson 2: Method of Understanding the Meaning of Scriptures: This lesson, presented as a dialogue between Pandit Todarmal and Dewan Ratanchand, explains the importance of understanding the correct methodology to interpret Jain scriptures. It emphasizes the distinction between "Nishchay" (ultimate truth) and "Vyavahar" (conventional truth) and the four "Anuyogas" (categories of scriptures: Prathamanuyog, Karananuyog, Charananuyog, and Dravyanuyog). It highlights how misinterpretations can lead to misconceptions and the perpetuation of "Mithyatva" (false beliefs).
Lesson 3: Virtue and Vice (Punya and Paap): This lesson discusses the concepts of virtue (Punya) and vice (Paap) within the Jain perspective. It clarifies that both are considered "vikari" (impure) states of the soul and are causes of the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). While virtue leads to favorable circumstances and pleasant rebirths, and vice leads to unfavorable ones, the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) is achieved by transcending both, by cultivating a state of equanimity and detachment (Vitragata). The lesson quotes various Jain Acharyas like Kundkundacharya and Yogiindudev to emphasize this point.
Lesson 4: Material Cause and Instrumental Cause (Upadan-Nimitta): This lesson delves into the philosophical concepts of the material cause (Upadan) and instrumental cause (Nimitta) of an event or phenomenon. It explains that the material cause is the inherent substance from which something is produced, while the instrumental cause is the external factor that aids in its creation. The lesson uses examples like the creation of a pot from clay (material cause) with the help of a potter and a wheel (instrumental cause) to illustrate this concept. It clarifies that for the soul's spiritual progress, the internal spiritual effort (Upadan) is paramount, and external factors (Nimitta) are secondary.
Lesson 5: Self-Realization and Principle Investigation (Atmanubhuti and Tattavavichar): This lesson explores the path to spiritual realization (Atmanubhuti) through the investigation of principles (Tattavavichar). It emphasizes that true happiness and self-knowledge are attained by turning inward and focusing on the eternal, unchanging nature of the soul. It explains that while conceptual understanding (Tattavavichar) is a preliminary step, ultimate realization comes from direct experience, transcending all dualities and external dependencies.
Lesson 6: The Six Factors (Chah Karak): This lesson focuses on the "Six Factors" (Karak) as understood in grammar and their application in Jain philosophy, particularly referencing the works of Acharya Kundakundacharya. The six factors are: Kartaa (doer), Karma (object), Karan (instrument), Sampradaan (recipient), Apaadaan (source from which), and Adhikaran (location). The lesson distinguishes between conventional (Vyavahar) and ultimate (Nishchay) interpretations of these factors. It highlights that in the ultimate sense, each substance (Dravya) is its own cause and effect, not dependent on external factors.
Lesson 7: The Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Progress (Chaud Gunsthan): This lesson, based on the teachings of Acharya Nemichandrasuri and his work "Gommatasara," details the fourteen stages of spiritual development that a soul undergoes on its path to liberation. It describes each stage, starting from "Mithyatva" (false belief) and progressing through stages of partial knowledge and conduct, ultimately leading to the stages of Kevali Jina (omniscient beings) and Siddha (liberated souls).
Lesson 8: Lord Mahavir, the Tirthankara: This lesson provides a biographical account of Lord Mahavir's life, from his birth and upbringing as Prince Vardhaman to his renunciation, rigorous spiritual practices, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and his establishment of the Jain Tirth. It emphasizes his teachings of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, and his concept of "Sarvodaya Tirth" (upliftment of all).
Lesson 9: Devāgama Stotra (Āptamīmāṁsā): This lesson presents the "Devāgama Stotra" (also known as "Āptamīmāṁsā") by Acharya Samantabhadra. It is a critical examination of what constitutes a true "Āpta" (perfect being or guide) in the context of religious teachings. The stotra, presented with a general meaning of its verses, systematically refutes claims of divinity based on external attributes or popular beliefs, and establishes that true divinity lies in omniscience and freedom from all impurities and desires, as embodied by the Tirthankaras. It champions the Jain philosophy of "Syadvada" (the doctrine of conditioned predication) against absolutist viewpoints.

The book aims to provide a structured understanding of Jain philosophy and practice, emphasizing self-reliance, rational inquiry, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.