Tattvartha Vrutti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tattvartha Vrutti" by Bhaskarnandi, as translated and annotated by Arya Shri Jinmati Mataji.

Book Title: Tattvartha Vrutti (Sukhabodha Teeka) Author: Bhaskarnandi Commentary/Translation: Arya Shri Jinmati Mataji Publisher: Panchulal Jain

This text is a commentary (Teeka) in Hindi on the renowned Jain scripture, the Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Moksha Shastra) by Acharya Umaswami. The Tattvartha Sutra is foundational for both Digambara and Shvetambara Jains, containing 357 sutras across 10 chapters that elucidate the path to liberation.

The provided document is the introductory section, including the preface and the beginning of the first chapter of the commentary. It highlights the profound importance of the Tattvartha Sutra and the "Sukhabodha" commentary.

Key Aspects Covered in the Provided Text:

1. Introduction to Tattvartha Sutra:

   • It is considered the "Bible of Jains."
   • It has 10 chapters and 357 sutras.
   • It is equally accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.
   • It is the first foundational scripture in Sanskrit in the Jain tradition, preceding all others written in Prakrit.
   • Its primary purpose is to explain the "path to liberation" (Moksha Marga).
   • The text lists numerous commentaries (Tika) on the Tattvartha Sutra, including notable ones like Sarvartha Siddhi, Tattvartha Vartika, and Gandhahasti Mahabhashya.

2. Introduction to the Sukhabodha Teeka:

   • The commentary is named "Sukhabodha" (meaning "easily understood") due to its clear and simple explanation of the Tattvartha Sutra's complex subjects.
   • Its primary basis includes commentaries like Sarvartha Siddhi, Tattvartha Vartika, and Shloka Vartika.
   • It is praised for clarifying subjects, presenting principles of past acharyas in its own unique way, quoting other scriptures, elaborating on core beliefs, and maintaining originality while following Pujyapada's style.

3. About the Author, Bhaskarnandi:

   • Information about Bhaskarnandi's birthplace, parents, and specific position is unavailable.
   • His lineage is traced through his guru Jinachandra, who was a disciple of Sarvadhu. The text includes a praise shloka describing Sarvadhu's immense spiritual discipline.
   • Scholars place Bhaskarnandi's time in either the early 12th century (according to K. Sujuko Profhira) or the 13th-14th century (according to Pandit Shanti Raj Ji Shastri).
   • A re-evaluation of a praise verse suggests his guru's guru might have been Shubhandra Bhattaraka, which could place Bhaskarnandi around the 16th century Vikram Samvat.
   • Bhaskarnandi's known works are the Tattvartha Vrutti (Sukhabodha) and the 'Dhyana Stava' (a hymn on meditation).

4. Purpose of the Hindi Translation:

   • The original Sanskrit commentary was published in 1944 and became unavailable.
   • A request was made to Mataji Jinmati to re-publish and translate the work so that a wider audience could benefit.
   • Mataji Jinmati accepted the request, and the translation process was undertaken despite her illness.

5. Introduction to the Translator, Arya Shri Jinmati Mataji:

   • Born in 1990 V.S. (1933 AD) in Mhaswad, Maharashtra.
   • Studied under Arya Shri Gyanmati Mataji, learning scriptures like Dravya Sangraha, Tattvartha Sutra, and Katantra Vyakarana.
   • Took the 10th Pratima vows in 1955 and Kshullika initiation in 2012 V.S. (1955 AD), named Jinmati.
   • Took Aryika initiation in 2016 V.S. (1959 AD) under Acharya Shri Shivsagarji Maharaj.
   • Has undertaken Chaturmas in numerous significant Jain pilgrimage centers and with various monastic orders, demonstrating extensive spiritual practice and association with prominent acharyas like Shri Shivsagarji Maharaj and Shri Dharmasagarji Maharaj.
   • She is recognized as a scholar of logic and Sanskrit, having translated major works like Prameyakamala Martanda and Marankandika.

6. Summary of the Tattvartha Sutra's Content (Chapter 1):

   • Chapter 1: Introduces the core Jain concept of the "Path to Liberation" (Moksha Marga) as Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Samyagdarshan, Samyagjnana, Samyakcharitra). It refutes various non-Jain philosophical viewpoints on liberation and the nature of reality. It then details the Seven Tattvas (Realities):
     • Jiva (Soul): Described as consciousness.
     • Ajiva (Non-soul): Opposite of Jiva, lacking consciousness.
     • Asrava: The influx of karma due to passions and activities.
     • Bandha: The bondage of karma to the soul.
     • Samvara: The stoppage of karma influx.
     • Nirjara: The shedding of accumulated karma.
     • Moksha: Liberation from all karma.
   • The text emphasizes the importance of Naya (Standpoints) and Pramana (Means of Knowledge) like Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, and Bhava (Naya-Vada) and Sat, Sankhya, Kshetra, Sparshan, Kala, Antara, Bhava, Alpabahutva (Anuyoga Dwara) in understanding these Tattvas.
   • It elaborates on the Five Types of Knowledge (Jnana): Mati (sensory/inferential), Shruta (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience), distinguishing between correct knowledge and misknowledge.
   • The Seven Nayas (Standpoints) (Naigama, Samgraha, Vyavahara, Riju-sutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, Evambhuta) are explained as crucial for a correct understanding of reality.

Overall Significance:

The provided text serves as an excellent introduction to the Tattvartha Vrutti, highlighting the diligence of its translator, Mataji Jinmati, and the scholarly depth of its author, Bhaskarnandi. It sets the stage for a detailed exposition of Jain philosophy as presented in the Tattvartha Sutra, emphasizing the importance of correct perspective (Naya) and knowledge (Pramana) in achieving liberation. The initial chapters focus on establishing the foundational principles of Jainism, refuting opposing views, and defining the essential components of the path to spiritual freedom.