Tattvartha Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati
Added to library: September 2, 2025

Summary
This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tattvartha Part 02 Sthanakvasi Gujarati" by Ghasilal Maharaj. The text delves into the principles of Jainism, particularly focusing on the doctrines related to karma, conduct, and spiritual liberation.
Overall Scope:
The text is the second part of a commentary on the Tattvartha Sutra, specifically from the perspective of the Shwetambar Sthanakvasi tradition. It is presented with a Gujarati edition, including an introduction by Shri Chandra P. Doshi and extensive commentaries ("Deepika" and "Niyukti") by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj. The work aims to elucidate Jain philosophy with a Hindi-Gujarati translation and detailed explanations. The catalog link provides access to further details about the publication.
Key Sections and Concepts Covered (based on the provided index and content):
The text is structured into chapters that systematically explain fundamental Jain tenets. Here's a breakdown of the major themes and concepts discussed, as can be inferred from the provided text snippets:
Book Structure and Early Sections:
- Invocation: Begins with the universally recognized Jain mantra, "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Acharyanam, Namo Upadhyayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam" (Salutations to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus).
- Publisher and Author: Identifies the publisher as A B Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti and the author as Ghasilal Maharaj.
- DVD Edition: Mentions it's part of a Jinagam Prakashan Yojana, with DVD No. 2 featuring the commentary.
- Valuable Edition: Highlights the inclusion of "Deepika" and "Niyukti" commentaries, Hindi-Gujarati translations, and the involvement of Pandit Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj as the organizer.
- Auspicious Beginning: The text includes a verse reflecting the author's dedication and hope for wider acceptance and understanding of the principles.
Detailed Summary of Content (following the index and text snippets):
The text meticulously details various aspects of Jain philosophy, primarily within the framework of the Tattvartha Sutra, which is considered a foundational scripture. The following are key themes covered:
Chapter 6: Āsrava (Inflow of Karma)
- Nature of Āsrava: Explains Āsrava as the inflow of karmic particles into the soul, caused by the activities of mind (Mano-yoga), speech (Vachana-yoga), and body (Kaya-yoga).
- Causes of Āsrava: Discusses how these activities, especially when associated with passions (Kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, lead to the bondage of karma.
- Types of Āsrava: Differentiates between Samparāyik Kriyā (karma-inducing activities driven by passions) and Īriyāpath Kriyā (activities that lead to karma but do not cause prolonged bondage, often associated with less intense passions or unavoidable actions).
- Śubha (Auspicious) and Aślūbha (Inauspicious) Activities: Elaborates on how auspicious yogas lead to पुण्य (merit/virtue) and inauspicious yogas lead to पाप (demerit/sin).
- Specific Āsrava: Details various causes of karmic inflow, including sensory indulgence, passions, vows (Vratas), and specific actions.
- Distinction in Karma Bondage: Explains how the intensity of passions and activities influences the type and duration of karma bondage.
- Types of Āsrava: Discusses the classification of Āsrava based on senses, passions, auspicious/inauspicious yogas, absence of vows, and specific actions.
- Detailed Classification of Actions: Provides an extensive list of 25 types of actions that contribute to Āsrava, further categorized into two types (likely referring to their impact on karma).
- The Role of Intention: Emphasizes that intention (Bhava) plays a crucial role in determining the karmic consequence.
Chapter 7: Saṁvara (Cessation of Karma Inflow)
- Definition of Saṁvara: Explains Saṁvara as the stoppage of the inflow of karma into the soul.
- Types of Saṁvara: Differentiates between Dravya Saṁvara (external measures) and Bhava Saṁvara (internal spiritual practices).
- Dravya Saṁvara: Refers to external means like using mud to plug holes in a boat to prevent water entry.
- Bhava Saṁvara: Encompasses internal practices such as Samyakdarshan (Right Faith), Samiti (Caution in Conduct), and Gupti (Control over Mind, Speech, and Body). It lists 77 components of Bhava Saṁvara, including Vratas (Vows), abstaining from passions, control over yogas, specific prohibitions, observance of festivals, and various forms of spiritual discipline.
- Causes of Saṁvara: Details the essential practices that lead to Saṁvara, including Samiti (Caution), Gupti (Control), Dharma (Virtue), Anupreksha (Reflection), Parīṣaha Jay (Overcoming Hardships), Charitra (Conduct), and Tap (Austerities).
- Detailed Explanation of Practices: Provides definitions and explanations for each of these causes, outlining their significance in achieving Saṁvara.
Chapter 8: Nirjarā (Shedding of Accumulated Karma)
- Definition of Nirjarā: Explains Nirjarā as the process of shedding accumulated karma.
- Types of Nirjarā: Distinguishes between Vipākajā Nirjarā (karma shedding through experiencing its results) and Avipākajā Nirjarā (karma shedding through austerities and penances).
- Causes of Nirjarā: Highlights Tap (Austerities) and the experience of karma consequences (Vipāka) as the primary causes of Nirjarā.
- External and Internal Tap: Details the 12 types of Tapas, divided into six external (Anashana, Avamaudarya, Bhikshacharya, Rasaparityaga, Kayaklesha, Pratisaṁlīnatā) and six internal (Prāyashchitta, Vinaya, Vaiyāvṛttya, Svādhyāya, Dhyāna, and Vyutsarga).
- Detailed Classification of Tapas: Provides specific explanations for each type of Tapas, including the various sub-categories and their significance.
- Nirjarā based on Spiritual Stages (Guṇasthānas): Explains how the intensity of Nirjarā varies across the 14 Guṇasthānas (spiritual stages).
- Specific Karma Shedding: Discusses how different types of karma are shed through specific practices and austerities.
Chapter 9: Moksha (Liberation)
- Definition of Moksha: Defines Moksha as the state of complete liberation from karma and the cycle of birth and death.
- Causes of Moksha: Identifies the ultimate causes of Moksha as the shedding of all karma, achieved through the practice of Samyakdarshan (Right Faith), Samyakgnan (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct), collectively known as the Three Jewels (Triratna). The text also emphasizes the role of Tap (Austerities) as a supporting factor.
- Moksha State: Describes the characteristics of the liberated soul (Siddha) as being omniscient, omnipotent, blissful, and existing eternally in the Siddhashila (Abode of the Liberated).
- Types of Knowledge in Moksha: Explains that in the state of Moksha, Kevalgnan (Absolute Knowledge) is attained.
- Process of Liberation: Details the progression through the 14 Guṇasthānas, culminating in the shedding of the remaining karma and the attainment of Moksha.
- Detailed Explanation of Means to Moksha:
- Samvadarshan: Right Faith, the foundation for spiritual progress.
- Sammyagnan: Right Knowledge, the accurate understanding of reality.
- Sammyakcharitra: Right Conduct, encompassing the Great Vows (Mahavratas) and supporting practices.
- Tap: Austerities, both external and internal, for karma shedding.
- Vratas (Vows): Elaborates on the five Great Vows (Mahavratas) and the 12 Vratas for lay followers (Shravakas), including their specific transgressions (Aticharas).
- Maha Vratas: Discusses the complete abstention from violence, untruth, stealing, sensual indulgence, and possession.
- Guna Vratas: Details vows that reinforce the Great Vows, such as regulating directions, limiting consumption, and abstaining from meaningless destruction.
- Shiksha Vratas: Explains vows undertaken by lay followers for further spiritual discipline, including Samayika (Equanimity), Deshavakashika (Limited Use), Paushadh (Fasting), and Atithisambhibhaga (Guest Hospitality).
- Aticharas: The text also meticulously details the transgressions (Aticharas) associated with each vow, emphasizing the importance of avoiding them for maintaining the integrity of the vow.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Explains the four types of meditation: Ārta (Painful), Raudra (Cruel), Dharma (Virtuous), and Śukla (Pure). It highlights Dharma and Śukla Dhyāna as conducive to Moksha.
- Purification of the Soul: Discusses the purification of the soul through various practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of knowledge, faith, conduct, and austerities in the path to liberation.
Key Jain Principles Emphasized:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Central to all conduct, extending to the protection of all sentient beings.
- Aparigraha (Non-possession): The principle of detachment from worldly possessions.
- Karma Siddhanta: The law of karma and its intricate workings, including the inflow (Āsrava), cessation (Saṁvara), shedding (Nirjarā), and bondage of karma.
- Spiritual Stages (Guṇasthānas): The progression of the soul through 14 stages of spiritual development.
- The Three Jewels (Triratna): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation.
- Austerities (Tapas): Their crucial role in shedding karma and purifying the soul.
- Vows (Vratas): Their importance in ethical conduct for both ascetics and lay followers, with detailed explanations of their transgressions.
- The Nature of the Soul: The soul's inherent purity and potential for liberation.
Commentarial Style:
The text exhibits a rigorous scholastic approach, characteristic of traditional Jain commentaries. It systematically breaks down complex philosophical concepts, defines terms, and provides detailed explanations, often referencing other Jain scriptures. The "Deepika" and "Niyukti" commentaries offer layered interpretations, ensuring a thorough understanding of the Tattvartha Sutra from the Sthanakvasi perspective.
This summary provides a general overview based on the provided snippets. A complete understanding would require a thorough reading of the entire text.