Tattvanushasan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvanushasan" by Acharya Nagsen, based on the provided pages:

Title: Tattvanushasan (तत्त्वानुशासन) Author: Acharya Nagsen (श्रीमन्नागसेनाचार्य) Translator (Gujarati): Muni Tatvanandvijayji (पू. मुनिवर्य श्री. ततत्वानन्दविजयेजी) Promoter: Seth Amrutlal Kalidas Doshi (शेठ श्री. अमृतलाल कालिदास दोशी) Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal (जैन साहित्य विकास मण्डल) Publication Year: 1961 (V.S. 2017)

Overall Purpose and Scope:

"Tattvanushasan" is a profound Jain text, approximately 250 verses long, that primarily focuses on the critical and profound topic of meditation (Dhyana). While it doesn't delve into exhaustive details of various meditation processes, traditions, or rituals, its core aim is to lay a proper foundation for those entering the path of meditation through systematic classification and definition of key concepts. The work emphasizes that the ultimate goal is Moksha (liberation), and meditation is presented as a crucial means to achieve it.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into eight chapters, each addressing specific aspects of Jain philosophy and the path to liberation through meditation:

Chapter 1: The Essential Fourfold Principles (सारभूत चतुष्टय)

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): Starts with salutations to the omniscient beings and spiritual guides.
• The Existence of the Omniscient: Affirms the reality of the omniscient Lord (Sarvajna).
• The Omniscient's Teachings: States that the Omniscient has described the "Tattva" (reality or principle) in two categories: what to be abandoned (Heya) and what to be adopted (Upadeya).
• Heya Tattva (To Be Abandoned): Identifies Bandha (bondage) and its causes as Heya, as they are the seeds of suffering.
• Upadeya Tattva (To Be Adopted): Identifies Moksha (liberation) and its causes as Upadeya, as they lead to ultimate bliss.
• Definition and Types of Bondage: Defines bondage as the connection between the soul and karma, mentioning its four types (nature, status, particle, etc.).
• Consequences of Bondage: Explains that bondage leads to Samsara (the cycle of birth and death), which is the source of all suffering.
• Causes of Bondage: Highlights Mithyadarsan (false belief), Mithyajñan (false knowledge), and Mithyacharitra (false conduct) as the primary causes.
• Detailed Explanation of Causes: Defines and elaborates on false belief, false knowledge (classified into illusion, ignorance, and doubt), and false conduct.
• Moharaj (Attachment/Delusion) as the Root Cause: Identifies Moh (delusion) as the principal cause of bondage, with false knowledge acting as its minister.
• Mamakara and Ahamkara (Mine-ness and I-ness): Explains these as the "generals" of Moh, leading to attachment and aversion.
• Cause and Effect of Mamakara and Ahamkara: Traces their origin to Moh and their role in generating passions (kashayas) and subsequent actions leading to bondage.
• Cessation of Bondage Causes: Emphasizes the need to destroy Moh, false knowledge, Mamakara, and Ahamkara.
• Remedy: States that the cessation of bondage causes is achieved by adopting the causes of Moksha, as they are mutually opposite.
• Cause of Moksha: Defines the cause of Moksha as the triad of Samyakdarsan (right belief), Samyakjñan (right knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (right conduct), which leads to the stoppage of influx (Sanvara) and shedding of karma (Nirjara).
• Detailed Definitions: Provides definitions for right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Nischaya and Vyavahara (Ultimate and Conventional Truth): Explains these two perspectives and how the causes of Moksha are understood through them.

Chapter 2: Meditation as the Primary Cause of Moksha (मोक्ष का प्रधान कारण : ध्यान)

• The Importance of Meditation: Declares that both types of liberation causes (Nischaya and Vyavahara) are achieved through meditation, urging diligent practice.
• Four Types of Meditation: Distinguishes between Aarta and Raudra (unwholesome meditations, to be avoided) and Dharma and Shukla (wholesome meditations, to be adopted).
• Eligibility for Shukla Dhyana: States that Shukla Dhyana is for those with the strongest physical constitution (Vajrasamhanana) and advanced scriptural knowledge.
• Dharma Dhyana for the Present Era: Explains that Dharma Dhyana is prescribed for present-day individuals who may not possess the prerequisites for Shukla Dhyana.
• Eight Limbs of Dharma Dhyana: Outlines the eight essential components: meditator, meditation, result, object of meditation, holder, place, time, and manner.
• Characteristics of a Meditator: Describes the qualities of an eligible meditator, including control over senses and mind, detachment, adherence to Jain vows, knowledge of principles, absence of passions, endurance of hardships, and diligent practice.
• Types of Meditators and Meditations: Discusses how the quality of meditation depends on the meditator and the supporting factors.
• Definitions of Dharma and Dharma Dhyana: Explains that "Dharma" is understood as right belief, knowledge, and conduct, or the soul's pure state, or the true nature of things. Dharma Dhyana is meditation imbued with this Dharma.

Chapter 3: The Means and Motivation for Meditation (ध्यान के लिए सामग्री और प्रेरणा)

• Means for Meditation: Identifies renunciation of possessions, control of passions, adherence to vows, and mastery over the mind and senses as essential for meditation.
• The Primacy of Mind Control: Emphasizes that controlling the mind is key, as it governs the senses.
• The Role of Knowledge and Detachment: Highlights that the mind, once controlled, can be guided by knowledge and detachment.
• The Importance of Consistent Practice: Encourages continuous effort in meditation through introspection and self-study.
• The Synergy of Self-Study and Meditation: Explains how self-study (Swadhyaya) enhances meditation, and meditation deepens self-study, leading to the realization of the Supreme Soul.
• Justification for Meditation in the Current Era: Addresses the argument that the current age is not suitable for meditation, asserting that this view stems from ignorance of Jain principles. It clarifies that while Shukla Dhyana might be difficult, Dharma Dhyana is still prescribed.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Encourages diligent practice, even with limited resources or knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of a Guru's guidance.

Chapter 4: Meditation of the Other (Parashraya Dhyana) (पराश्रय ध्यान)

• Setting for Meditation: Describes ideal locations and postures for meditation, emphasizing a serene and undisturbed environment.
• Meditator's Conduct: Details the physical and mental state required, including control over senses, stillness, proper posture, controlled breathing, and absence of distractions.
• Two Types of Meditation: Differentiates between Swarupalambana (meditation on one's own self, Nischaya) and Paralambana (meditation on others or external objects, Vyavahara).
• The Fourfold Objects of Meditation (Dhyeya): Introduces Naam (name), Sthapana (symbolic representation), Dravya (substance), and Bhava (state of being) as objects of meditation.
• Meditation on Names: Explains meditating on divine names and mantras for spiritual benefits and powers.
• Meditation on Symbolic Representations: Discusses meditating on idols and images.
• Meditation on Substances: Focuses on contemplating the true nature of substances, their inherent qualities, and transformations.
• Meditation on States of Being (Bhava): Highlights meditation on the pure, liberated soul (Siddhaatma) and the qualities of the Arihants.
• Attributes of Siddhaatma and Arihant: Provides detailed descriptions of their eternal, pure, omniscient, and blissful nature.
• Meditation on Gurus: Extends the practice to meditating on Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
• Distinction between Dravya and Bhava Dhyana: Defines Dravya Dhyana as meditating on external objects and Bhava Dhyana as meditating on the contemplative state reflecting the object.

Chapter 5: Meditation on the Self (Swatmalambana Dhyana) (स्वात्मालम्बन यान)

• Transition to Nischaya Dhyana: Moves from external objects to the self-enlightened meditation.
• The Nature of Self-Meditation: Emphasizes knowing, believing, and focusing solely on the soul, recognizing its inherent purity and detached nature.
• The Process of Self-Contemplation: Describes the practice of reflecting on one's true nature as a pure, conscious, and liberated soul, distinct from the body and other worldly influences.
• The Concept of "Naisargik" Meditation: Explains that the true nature of the soul, free from external conditioning, is the object of this meditation.
• The Fruits of Self-Meditation: Highlights the attainment of ultimate happiness, stillness, and the realization of the Supreme Soul.
• The Synthesis of Nihilism and Monism: Discusses how Jain philosophy reconciles concepts of emptiness (shunya) and oneness (advaita) from other perspectives by emphasizing the soul's self-nature and its distinction from external phenomena.
• The Soul as the True "Nairatmya" and "Advaita": Argues that the soul, when devoid of external influences, is truly "nihilistic" in its non-attachment to other things and "monistic" in its singular, pure self-existence.

Chapter 6: "Aha" (Self) Identification and the Results of Meditation (“अह” का अभेद प्रणिधान और ध्यान के फळ)

• The "Aha" Meditation: Details advanced yogic practices involving breath control, visualization of fire, purification, and the meditation on the five sacred syllables (Panch Namaskars) and divine forms (Arihant, Siddha).
• The Power of Mantra and Meditation: Explains how specific meditations and mantras can lead to the acquisition of Siddhis (supernatural powers), overcoming obstacles, healing, and influencing the external world. It illustrates how a meditator can embody divine qualities or powers through intense focus.
• The "Samarasee Bhaav" (State of Equanimity): Describes the ultimate state of oneness achieved through deep meditation, leading to liberation and worldly fulfillment.
• The Means of Meditation: Lists various techniques and components used in advanced meditation practices, including visualizations, mantras, yogic postures, and divine representations.
• The Purpose of Meditation: Reaffirms that meditation is the primary cause of both worldly pleasures and ultimate liberation.
• The Main Causes of Meditation: Enumerates the essential factors for successful meditation: Guru's guidance, faith, consistent practice, and a stable mind.
• Caution against Focusing Solely on Worldly Results: Advises against pursuing meditation solely for immediate material benefits, as this can lead to attachment to lower forms of meditation.
• The Nature of Shukla Dhyana: Defines Shukla Dhyana as pure, unadulterated knowledge, free from karma and attained through the highest states of spiritual development.

Chapter 7: The Nature of the Liberated Soul (मुक्तात्मा का स्वरूप)

• The State of Liberation: Describes the soul's ascent to the highest point of the universe after the destruction of karmas, retaining its pure form and infinite qualities.
• The Soul in Liberation: Explains that in liberation, the soul is free from the contraction and expansion caused by karma, and it exists in its pure, innate form.
• The Bliss of Moksha: Contrasts the fleeting, passion-driven pleasures of the world with the eternal, pure, and infinite bliss of the liberated soul.
• The Superiority of Moksha: Argues that Moksha is the ultimate human endeavor, attainable only by those who understand and embrace the soul's true nature.
• The Necessity of Anekantavada (Non-One-Sidedness): Explains that the concepts of bondage, liberation, and their causes are only fully comprehensible through the lens of Anekantavada, which recognizes multiple perspectives.

Chapter 8: Conclusion (उपसंहार)

• Summary of the Text: Acharya Nagsen reiterates that while the text covers the four essential principles, the focus is on meditation as the means to Moksha.
• Author's Humility: The author humbly acknowledges the profound nature of meditation and his own limitations, stating that the work is driven by devotion to meditation.
• Blessings and Dedication: Offers prayers for the readers' attainment of knowledge, faith, and successful meditation, and dedicates the work to the welfare of all beings.
• Genealogy and Authorship: Provides details about Acharya Nagsen's teachers and his own spiritual lineage.
• Final Invocation: Concludes with salutations to the five supreme Gurus (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus) for purification of the mind.

Significance and Contribution:

"Tattvanushasan" is a valuable contribution to Jain literature, particularly in its focused exploration of meditation. It offers a systematic and philosophical approach to understanding the path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of right conduct, knowledge, belief, and contemplative practice. The Gujarati translation makes this profound text accessible to a wider audience, aiding those seeking spiritual progress through meditation.