Tattvarthadhigam Sutra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, as translated and published by Jaswantlal Girdharlal Shah, based on the provided text.

The Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, authored by Acharya Umaswati, is a foundational text in Jainism that systematically explains the core principles of the faith. The translation aims to make these profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. The text begins with invocations and acknowledgments, setting a devotional tone.

The summary covers the following key areas:

I. The Path to Liberation (Moksha Marga):

Three Jewels: The Sutra clearly defines the path to liberation as consisting of Samyakdarshan (Right Faith), Samyagjnana (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct). These three are considered inseparable and essential for liberation.
Samyakdarshan: This is described as a rational and appropriate perception of reality, achieved either naturally or through scriptural study and guidance. It is attained through the decay, pacification, or suppression of delusionary karma.
Jiva (Soul) and Ajiva (Non-soul): The text introduces the fundamental Jain categories of reality: Jiva (soul) and Ajiva (non-soul).
Seven Tattvas: The seven essential truths of Jainism are enumerated: Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Ashrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
Nishpesha (Classification): The text explains the classification of these tattvas through Name, Establishment, Substance, and Mode.

II. Types of Knowledge:

Five Types of Knowledge: The Sutra details the five types of valid knowledge: Mati (sense perception), Shruta (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (mind-reading), and Kevala (omniscience).
Pramana (Valid Means of Knowledge): It categorizes knowledge into Pramana (direct means) and Nayapramana (indirect means), with Mati and Shruta being indirect, and Avadhi, Manahparyaya, and Kevala being direct.
Mati-jnana: This is further elaborated with its various stages and permutations.
Shruta-jnana: This is explained as originating from Mati-jnana and is divided into Angabahya (external scriptures) and Angapravishta (internal scriptures), with detailed lists of each.
Avadhi-jnana: Differentiated into Bhava-pratyayika (occurring by disposition) and Kshaya-upashama-pratyayika (occurring by karma destruction/pacification), with specific characteristics for different types of beings.
Manahparyaya-jnana: Described as knowledge of others' thoughts, with its own distinctions.
Kevala-jnana: The ultimate and complete knowledge, possessed by Omniscient beings.

III. The Non-Soul (Ajiva):

Five Substances: The Ajiva category comprises Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akasha (space), Pudgala (matter), and Kala (time).
Characteristics of Substances: The text describes the eternal, existent, and non-material nature of Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, and Jiva, while Pudgala is described as material.
Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Jiva: These are characterized as being present throughout the universe (lokakasha) or beyond (alokakasha) and having infinite, enumerable, or countable regions.
Pudgala (Matter): This is elaborated extensively, describing its various qualities (taste, smell, color, touch), forms (atoms and aggregates), and states. The concept of cause and effect in matter's transformation is highlighted.

IV. Karma and Bondage:

Karma: The Sutra explains the concept of karma as subtle karmic particles that bind the soul.
Causes of Karma: The primary causes of karma are identified as Mithyadarshan (deluded faith), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramada (negligence), Kashaya (passions), and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body).
Types of Karma: The eightfold classification of karma is presented: Jnanavaraniya (knowledge-obscuring), Darshanavaraniya (faith-obscuring), Vedaniya (feeling-producing), Mohaniya (delusion-producing), Ayushya (lifespan-determining), Nama (name-producing), Gotra (lineage-producing), and Antaraya (obstruction).
Bondage (Bandha): The process of karma binding to the soul is described through four aspects: Prakriti (nature of karma), Sthiti (duration), Rasa (intensity), and Pradesha (quantity).

V. Stoppage and Shedding of Karma:

Samvara (Stoppage): This is achieved through Gupti (restraint of senses and mind), Samiti (carefulness in actions), Dharma (five virtues), Anupreksha (meditations), Parīṣaha Jaya (endurance of hardships), and Charitra (conduct).
Nirjara (Shedding): This is primarily achieved through Tapas (asceticism), both external (fasting, etc.) and internal (meditation, repentance, etc.).

VI. Liberation (Moksha):

Destruction of Karma: Liberation is attained by the complete destruction of all karmas, leading to the soul's pure, omniscient, and blissful state.
State of the Liberated Soul: The liberated soul is described as being eternal, pure, blissful, and residing in the Siddhashila (Abode of the Liberated) at the top of the universe.
The Process of Liberation: The text traces the journey of the soul from worldly existence through various stages of spiritual development to its final liberated state.

VII. The Universe and its Constituents:

Cosmology: The Sutra provides a detailed description of the Jain cosmology, including the various realms of existence (hells, human world, heavens), the continents (Jambudvipa, etc.), mountains (Meru), and oceans.
Types of Beings: It categorizes beings into different classes based on their senses, mind, and lifespan.
Devas (Celestial Beings): The various types of celestial beings, their abodes, and their lifespans are described.

VIII. Conduct and Virtues:

Vows: The text elaborates on the five Mahavratas (great vows) for ascetics and the five Anuvratas (minor vows) for lay followers, along with the supporting Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual progress) and Sheelas (subordinate vows).
The Ideal Life: The Sutra emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, detachment, self-control, and spiritual pursuit for spiritual advancement.

The publication by Jaswantlal Girdharlal Shah appears to be a Gujarati translation and commentary, providing verse-by-verse explanations. The book is presented as a guide for spiritual seekers to understand the "Tattvas" (realities) and achieve liberation. The back pages contain a catalog of other Jain religious books, highlighting the publisher's commitment to disseminating spiritual literature.