Tattvagyan Smarika

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvagyan Smarika" (Hindi Department) by Devendramuni, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

The "Tattvagyan Smarika" is presented as a collection of essays aimed at bridging the perceived gap between Indian culture and scientific rationalism (विज्ञानवाद). It seeks to present an objective review of ancient and modern geographical and astronomical ideas within the framework of Indian culture and specifically Jain philosophy. The publication is motivated by a desire to strengthen the faith of the younger generation, who are increasingly influenced by materialistic science, by demonstrating the deep connection between spirituality and science in Indian heritage.

Key Themes and Content:

• Reconciliation of Science and Spirituality: The core theme is the harmonious integration of spiritual wisdom (Adhyatmavad) with scientific understanding. It argues that true Indian culture is rooted in both.

• Challenging Conventional Scientific Theories: The text explicitly challenges some prevailing scientific notions, particularly the idea of a spherical and rotating Earth ("पृथ्वी गोल नहीं - पृथ्वी घूमती नहीं"). This is presented as a result of extensive research and revision by learned Jain scholars.

• Promoting Jain Cosmology and Philosophy: A significant aspect of the "Smarika" is the promotion of Jain cosmological concepts like the Jambu Island plan, the structure of the universe (lok), the human realm (manushya-kshetra), and specific regions within the Jain universe (Jambudweep, Bharatkshetra, Madhyakhand). These are presented with scientific proof and visual representations (marble art, stone carvings).

• Revival of Ancient Indian Knowledge: The book aims to reintroduce and highlight the value of India's rich intellectual heritage, particularly in the fields of geography, astronomy, and philosophy, which are often overlooked or misunderstood in modern times.

• The Jambu Dweep Project: A major inspiration and tangible outcome of this endeavor is the "Jambu Dweep" project being undertaken in Palitana. This ambitious project, described as an 8-acre vast land initiative costing 50 rupees (though this likely refers to an initial investment or conceptual stage, with a later mentioned 5 lakh project cost for a temple), aims to scientifically demonstrate Jain cosmological principles through models and artistic representations.

• Foundation in Jain Agama and Spiritual Leaders: The project and the "Smarika" itself are inspired by prominent Jain Acharyas and scholars, including H.H. Anand Sagar Surishwarji Maharaj, H.H. Chandra Sagar Surishwarji, and especially H.H. Dharma Sagarji Maharaj, and his disciple Pt. Abhay Sagarji Maharaj. The work is presented as being undertaken under their guidance and inspiration.

• Comprehensive Collection of Essays: The "Smarika" is a large compilation (initially 800 pages) containing various essays by Jain and non-Jain scholars. These essays cover a wide range of topics, from the significance of alphabets and cosmic sounds (Om, Nada, Bindu, Kala) to the movement of the Sun, the concept of Earth in Vedic and Jain literature, the nature of the soul (Atma), Jain philosophical categories (Astikaya, Saptabhangi), Vedic and Jain astronomy, and even ancient Indian education systems and the historical development of languages like Gujarati and Hindi.

• Specific Topics Covered by Essay Titles (from Page 7):

  • "Om Namah Siddham" (A Mystical Exposition)
  • "Rutam Satyam Cha" (The Mystical Synthesis of Vedic Rites and Truth)
  • "Bijakshar Evan Unka Mahatva" (Bija-syllables and Their Significance)
  • "Nada Bindu Kala" (A Mystical Exposition)
  • "Suryaki Gati" (The Movement of the Sun based on Surya Prajnapti)
  • "Prithvi in Vedic Literature"
  • "Atma in Philosophical Light"
  • "Atma in Vedic Literature"
  • "Jain Darshan aur Astikaya" (Jain Philosophy and Astikaya)
  • "Paramanu-Pudgal-Sansthan" (Atomic-Pudgala Structure)
  • "Saptabhangi" (The Seven-Fold Predication System)
  • "Jyotish Vigyan" (Astrology/Astronomy)
  • "Scientific View of the Solar Family"
  • "Geography in Jain Literature"
  • "Sukha Mimansa" (An Inquiry into Happiness)
  • "Bhavana Vargikaran" (Classification of Sentiments/Emotions)
  • "Ancient Indian Jain Education System"
  • "Patan and Hindi"
  • "Devlok ki Srishti" (The Creation of the Divine Abode)
  • "Bhuvano ka Swaroop Yogashastraanusar" (The Nature of Worlds according to Yoga Shastra)
  • "Prithvi Gol Nahi" (The Earth is Not Round)
  • "Prithvi Sambandhi Naveen Tathya" (New Facts about the Earth)

• Philosophical Underpinnings: The text delves into core philosophical concepts like the nature of the soul (Atma) in various traditions (Charvaka, Bauddha, Sankhya, Nyaya, Yoga), the concept of "Astikaya" (substantial existence with parts) in Jainism and its relation to space and matter, and the "Saptabhangi" (the Jain seven-fold predication system) as a tool for nuanced understanding.

• Rejection of Earth's Sphericity: The explicit statement "पृथ्वी गोल नहीं - पृथ्वी घूमती नहीं" (The Earth is not round - The Earth does not rotate) is a significant claim, suggesting a departure from common scientific understanding and an attempt to validate an alternative view through Jain cosmology.

• The Importance of "Om Namah Siddham": The essay on "Om Namah Siddham" extensively explores the mystical and spiritual significance of this mantra, linking its components (Om, Namah, Siddham) to Jain principles, the Panch Parmeshthis, and the concept of ultimate liberation.

• The Role of Language and Symbols: The essays discuss the profound significance of alphabets, sounds (Nada, Bindu, Kala), and sacred syllables (Bija-aksharas) as conduits of spiritual power and knowledge.

• Historical and Cultural Context: The "Smarika" also touches upon the historical relationship between Indian culture and science, the development of languages like Gujarati and Hindi in relation to Jain scholars, and the concept of divine realms (Devlok) in light of modern scientific discoveries.

Publisher's Note (Page 4 & 5):

The publisher, Shri Vardhaman Jain Pedhi, expresses joy in presenting this collection. They acknowledge that the "Smarika" is an excerpt from a larger work and is being published in smaller booklets to cater to diverse reader interests. They emphasize the vital connection between spirituality and science in Indian culture and lament the current trend of Western materialism-influenced science overshadowing spiritual wisdom. The publication aims to counter this by presenting a "treasure trove" of spiritual knowledge. They also express gratitude to all contributors and acknowledge a specific mention of reverence for Gani Shri Mahayashsagarji Maharaj for his initial efforts in the printing process. They conclude by urging readers to approach the essays with an investigative and open mind, acknowledging potential printing errors.

Overall Impact and Goal:

The "Tattvagyan Smarika" endeavors to empower the Jain community and broader Indian society with a rediscovered understanding of their heritage, demonstrating that profound spiritual truths are not only compatible with but also enriched by a deep exploration of the universe and existence, even when this exploration challenges conventionally accepted scientific paradigms. It is a testament to the Jain tradition's intellectual dynamism and its commitment to preserving and propagating its unique worldview.