Tattvartha Sutra That Which Is

This English abridged and simplified version of the Tattvarthasutra by Vinod Kapashi provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the core principles of Jainism. The book is structured to guide beginners through the fundamental aspects of the religion, covering its metaphysical, ethical, and cosmological dimensions.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The Tattvarthasutra, accepted by both the Digambara and Shvetambara sects of Jainism, is presented as a foundational text. The book's core message, as stated in the first aphorism, is that "The way to liberation is through enlightened faith, enlightened knowledge and enlightened conduct." These "Three Jewels" form the central theme guiding the reader through the text.

The book is systematically organized into ten chapters, each exploring a crucial aspect of Jain philosophy:

• Chapter 1: Enlightened Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Mokshamarg): This chapter introduces the ultimate goal of Jainism, Moksha (liberation), and the path to achieving it through the Three Jewels. It defines enlightened faith as faith in fundamental truths and the words of the Jinas (conquerors of passions). Enlightened knowledge encompasses scriptural understanding and spiritual insights, while enlightened conduct involves actions that free one from attachments and aversions. The chapter also introduces the seven Tattvas (truths or realities): Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-life), Ashrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvar (stoppage of influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).

• Chapter 2: Souls (Jivas) and their Classification: This chapter delves into the nature of souls, distinguishing between worldly (samsarin) and liberated (mukta) souls. It further classifies worldly souls as mobile (trasa) and immobile (sthavara) based on their sensory perceptions and bodies. The five senses and their objects are detailed, along with the five types of bodies (audaric, vaikriya, aharak, taijas, and karma bodies).

• Chapters 3 & 4: Jain Cosmology: These chapters provide an overview of the Jain understanding of the universe, its structure, and its inhabitants. The universe is described as having three realms: the upper world (abodes of celestial beings), the middle world (where humans, animals, and plants reside, with Mount Meru at its center), and the lower world (abodes of hellish beings). Celestial beings, including luminous gods like the sun, moon, and stars, are discussed.

• Chapter 5: Non-Sentient Entities (Ajiva) and the Nature of Reality: This chapter focuses on the non-sentient substances within the universe: dharma (medium of motion), adharma (medium of rest), akasha (space), and pudgala (matter). Matter is characterized by its touch, taste, smell, and color, and exists in atomic or aggregate forms. A key concept introduced here is Anekantavada (multi-sidedness of reality), illustrated by the example of clay transforming into a pot. The chapter also explains the characteristics of time and the concept of reality as having origination, continuity, and destruction. The famous aphorism "Parasparopgraho jivanam" (souls render service to each other, or interdependence of life) is highlighted, emphasizing the Jain principle of non-violence and responsibility towards the environment.

• Chapter 6: Karma Influx (Ashrava): This chapter explains how the activities of the body, speech, and mind (known as yoga) attract karmic particles to the soul. It categorizes karma into eight main types, including knowledge-obscuring, vision-obscuring, deluding, and feeling-producing karmas. Both auspicious (punya) and inauspicious (papa) activities lead to karma bondage, hindering liberation.

• Chapter 7: Enlightened Conduct and the Vows: This chapter details the practical application of enlightened conduct through the five main vows: non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity/continence (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness/non-attachment (aparigraha). These are presented as minor vows (anuvrata) for householders and major vows (mahavrata) for monks. The chapter also discusses four bhavanas (contemplations) that cultivate positive attitudes: friendship towards the virtuous, rejoicing in their presence, compassion for the suffering, and equanimity towards the impolite. It also defines violence, lying, stealing, incontinence, and possessiveness, and introduces the concept of Sanlekhna (voluntary fasting unto death) as a pious end under specific circumstances. Charity is also discussed as a means to reduce attachment.

• Chapter 8: The Causes and Types of Karma Bondage: This chapter elaborates on the causes of karma bondage, which include wrong faith, non-abstinence, carelessness, passions (anger, deceit, pride, greed), and yoga. It further classifies karmas into Ghati (destructive) karmas that obscure the soul's inherent qualities, and Aghati (non-destructive) karmas that relate to the physical body and worldly experiences.

• Chapter 9: Stoppage and Shedding of Karma (Samvar and Nirjara): This chapter explains how to stop the influx of karma (Samvar) through restraint (gupti), self-control (samiti), righteousness (dharma), reflection (anupreksha), and victory over afflictions. It details the three types of restraints, five types of regulations, and twelve points of reflection. The chapter then focuses on Nirjara (shedding of karma), emphasizing the role of tapas (austerities). Twelve types of austerities are listed, divided into six external (physical) and six internal (mental) practices. The four types of meditation are also explained, with Shukla Dhyana (spiritual meditation) being the highest state.

• Chapter 10: Liberation (Moksha): The final chapter reiterates that Moksha is achieved through the destruction of all karmas. By impeding the causes of new karma bondage and shedding old karmas, the soul becomes liberated and ascends to the top of the universe (lokakasa) to reside in eternal bliss.

Overall Significance:

Vinod Kapashi's "Tattvarthasutra (That Which Is)" serves as an invaluable resource for both Jains and non-Jains seeking to understand the foundational principles of Jainism. The author's simplified approach, aided by diagrams and clear explanations, makes complex philosophical concepts accessible. The book emphasizes a practical, ethical path towards spiritual realization and liberation, making it a valuable guide for personal growth and understanding.