Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Abhinav Tika Adhyaya 07 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Abhinav Tika Adhyaya 07," based on the given pages:

Book Title: Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Abhinav Tika Adhyaya 07 Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar (commentator: Muni Deepratnasagar, disciple of Pujya Muniraj Shri Sudharmasagarji Maharaj Saheb) Publisher: Shrutnidhi Ahmedabad / Abhinav Shrut Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005037/1

Overall Context:

This text is an "Abhinav Tika" (new commentary) on the seventh chapter of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, a foundational Jain scripture. The commentary is by Muni Deepratnasagar. The seventh chapter of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, as outlined in the table of contents (Page 3), primarily focuses on Vrat (vows), the sentiments (Bhavana) for their stability, the nature of sins (Pancha Himsaadi), and the categories and transgressions (Atichara) of vows.

The commentary aims to provide a detailed and understandable explanation of these concepts, connecting them to the broader Jaina philosophy of seven tattvas (realities), particularly in relation to the Asrava tattva (influx of karma) discussed in the preceding sixth chapter. The text emphasizes how the observance of vows and the avoidance of their transgressions are crucial for progressing on the path to liberation (Moksha).

Chapter 7: Core Themes and Structure

The chapter, and by extension this commentary, deals with the following key themes, presented in a structured manner:

Nature of Vows (Vrata): The foundational definition of vows is established.
Types of Vows (Anu- and Mahavratas): Vows are categorized based on the extent of restraint, leading to Anu-vratas (minor vows) and Maha-vratas (major vows).
Sentiments for Vow Stability (Bhavana): Five Bhavanas are elaborated for each vow to ensure their stability and effective practice.
The Five Major Sins (Himsaadi): The nature of Himsa (violence), Satya (truthfulness), Steya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Parigraha (possessions) are defined.
The Fivefold Atichara (Transgressions) of Vows: For each of the five main vows, five specific transgressions are explained. This forms the bulk of the chapter's detailed commentary.
The Nature of Himsa (Violence): A detailed explanation of Himsa is provided, distinguishing between Dravya Himsa (violence to physical life force) and Bhava Himsa (violence to inner spiritual states).
The Nature of Asatya (Untruthfulness): Different forms of false speech are discussed.
The Nature of Steya (Non-stealing): Various types of theft and misappropriation are explained, including the concept of "Adatta" (un-given).
The Nature of Mithuna (Improper conduct) and Brahmacharya: The commentary clarifies what constitutes improper conduct and the absence of Brahmacharya.
The Nature of Parigraha (Attachment/Possessions): The concept of "Murcha" (attachment) is explained as the core of Parigraha.
The Concept of Vrati (One who observes vows): The text defines a Vrati as one who is free from "Shalya" (inner impurities like Maya, Nidana, Mithyadarshan).
Classification of Vratis: Vratis are divided into two main categories: Agarish (householders) and Anagar (ascetics/monks).
Detailed Explanation of Vratas and their transgressions: The commentary meticulously breaks down the transgressions for each of the five main vows.

Detailed Summary of Key Concepts Explained:

Tattva, Artha, Tattvartha, Adhigama, Sutra: The commentary begins by defining these fundamental terms to establish the context of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra itself.
The Seven Tattvas: The text reiterates the seven tattvas of Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, and Moksha, explaining that the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra aims to impart the knowledge of these realities.
The Structure of Tattvarthadhigam Sutra: The commentary notes that the original Sutra is divided into ten chapters, covering the seven tattvas, with Chapter 7 focusing on Vratas.
Chapter 7's Focus: It highlights that Chapter 7 specifically elaborates on Vrat (vows), the Bhavanas (sentiments/meditations) that strengthen them, and the Aticharas (transgressions) that weaken them. It connects these directly to the Asrava tattva, as transgressions of vows lead to the influx of karma.

Detailed Breakdown of Vows and their Transgressions (as per the provided text):

The commentary systematically analyzes each of the five main vows (which are the basis for both Anu-vratas and Maha-vratas) and their respective transgressions:

Ahimsa (Non-violence):
- Definition: Abstaining from Himsa, Satya, Steya, Maithuna, and Parigraha through mind, speech, and action.
- Types of Himsa: Dravya Himsa (physical violence) and Bhava Himsa (violence of inner passions).
- Aticharas (5): Bandha (binding), Vadh (killing/beating), Chhed (cutting/mutilating), Atibhararopana (overloading), and Annapana Nirodh (depriving of food/water).
Satya (Truthfulness):
- Definition: Abstaining from untruthfulness (Asatya).
- Aticharas (5): Mithya Upadesha (false advice), Rahasya Abhyakhyana (revealing secrets), Kutlekhana Kriya (forgery), Nyasa Apahara (misappropriating deposits), and Sakara Mantra Bheda (revealing hidden intentions/secrets).
Steya (Non-stealing):
- Definition: Abstaining from taking what is not given (Adatta Dana).
- Aticharas (5): Stena Prayoga (instigating thieves), Tadahritadana (accepting stolen goods), Viruddha Rajyatikrama (violating customs/laws), Hinaadhika Manonmana (short-weighting/measuring), and Pratiroopaka Vyavahara (fraudulent practices/counterfeiting).
Brahmacharya (Chastity):
- Definition: Abstaining from Maithuna (sexual conduct).
- Aticharas (5): Paravivaha Karana (arranging marriage for others), Itvara Parigrihita Gamana (union with a woman temporarily taken by another), Aparigrihita Gamana (union with unmarried/unowned women), Ananga Krida (non-genital sexual acts), and Tivra Kama Abhinivesha (intense lustful contemplation).
Parigraha (Non-possession):
- Definition: Abstaining from Murcha (attachment/greed).
- Aticharas (5): Kshetra-Vastu Pramanaatikrama (exceeding limits of land/property), Hiranya-Suvarna Pramanaatikrama (exceeding limits of gold/silver), Dhana-Dhanya Pramanaatikrama (exceeding limits of wealth/grains), Dasa-Dasi Pramanaatikrama (exceeding limits of servants/animals), and Kupya Pramanaatikrama (exceeding limits of utensils/possessions).

Other Key Concepts Discussed:

Bhavanas (Sentiments/Meditations): For each vow, five supporting Bhavanas are elaborated to strengthen their practice. These include concepts like Samiti (carefulness in movement), Gupti (control of mind, speech, action), Anuvichi Bhashana (thoughtful speech), etc., depending on the vow.
Vairagya and Samvega: The importance of cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures (Vairagya) and fear of the cycle of rebirth (Samvega) is highlighted as essential for vow observance, stemming from contemplating the nature of the world and the body.
Nihshalya Vrati: The text emphasizes that a true Vrati is one free from "Shalya" (inner impurities like Maya, Nidana, Mithyadarshan).
Agarin and Anagarin Vratis: Vratis are classified as householders (Agarin) who observe Anu-vratas and partial vows, and ascetics (Anagarin) who observe Maha-vratas.
Sankhalekhana Marananthika: The text explains Sankhalekhana (voluntary reduction of intake and bodily functions) as a practice for spiritual preparation, especially at the end of life, performed with appropriate sentiments.
Samayika Vrata: The importance and transgressions of Samayika (a period of equanimity and restraint) are detailed.
Paushadh Upavasa: The practice of observing fasts on specific holy days is explained.
Upabhoga Paribhoga Parimana: The vow to limit consumption and use of possessions is discussed.
Atithi Samvibhaga: The practice of offering food and necessities to deserving ascetics (Atithi) is explained.

Commentary Style:

The commentary by Muni Deepratnasagar appears to be scholarly and thorough, providing definitions, explanations of terms (Shabda Jnana), quoting scriptural references (Agam Sandarbh, Tattvarth Sandarbh, Anya Granth Sandarbh), and including poetic verses (Padya) to summarize the points. It also addresses potential questions and nuances related to the concepts. The text also notes differences between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions where applicable.

Overall Purpose:

The primary goal of this chapter and its commentary is to guide the practitioner towards a pure and unwavering observance of vows, which is considered essential for spiritual progress and ultimately for attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death in Jainism. By understanding the nature of sins, their transgressions, and the supporting sentiments, individuals can more effectively practice Ahimsa, Satya, Steya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha in their daily lives.