Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Abhinav Tika Adhyaya 09

This document is a detailed commentary, titled "Abhinav Tika," on the ninth chapter of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, a foundational Jain text. The commentary is authored by Muni Diptaratna Sagar, a disciple of Muni Sudharma Sagar. The ninth chapter of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, as explained in this commentary, focuses on the principle of Samvara, which is the cessation of the influx of karma into the soul.

Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and structure of the commentary:

Overall Scope: The commentary meticulously explains the ninth chapter, which deals with Samvara (cessation of karma influx) and aspects of Nirjara (shedding of accumulated karma). It follows the structure of the original Sutras, providing detailed explanations for each.

Chapter 9's Focus: The ninth chapter, comprising 49 Sutras, is dedicated to the principle of Samvara, with a significant portion also covering Nirjara. The commentary highlights that Samvara is crucial for halting the inflow of new karmas, while Nirjara is essential for shedding existing karmas, both leading towards Moksha (liberation).

Key Concepts Explained in the Commentary (Chapter 9):

1. Samvara (Sutra 1):

   • Definition: Samvara is defined as the cessation of asrava (influx of karma).
   • Asrava: Asrava, explained in earlier chapters (specifically Chapter 6), refers to the activities of the mind, speech, and body (Yoga), as well as the passions (Kashayas), senses (Indriyas), and various actions (Kriyas) that lead to karma bondage. The commentary details the 42 types of Asrava.
   • Types of Samvara:
     • Dravya Samvara: The external act of stopping the influx of karma.
     • Bhava Samvara: The internal mental disposition and effort to stop the influx of karma.
   • Samvara and Guņasthānas (Stages of Spiritual Progress): The commentary elaborates on how Samvara progresses through the 14 Guņasthānas (spiritual stages). It provides a detailed table showing which karmic activities (prakrutis) are stopped (Samvara achieved) at each stage, explaining the gradual cessation of karma influx.

2. Means of Samvara (Sutra 2):

   • This Sutra introduces the primary means to achieve Samvara, which are:
     • Gupti (Control): Control over mind, speech, and body. The commentary explains the three types: Mano-gupti, Vachana-gupti, and Kaya-gupti.
     • Samiti (Carefulness): Careful and conscious actions in walking, speaking, accepting alms, placing/moving objects, and excretion. The commentary details the five Samitis: Irvya, Bhasha, Eshana, Adan-Nixhepana, and Utsarga.
     • Dharma (Virtues): The ten virtues: Kshama (forgiveness), Mardava (humility), Arjava (straightforwardness), Shaucha (purity), Satya (truthfulness), Samyama (restraint), Tapas (austerity), Tyaga (renunciation), Akinchanya (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). The commentary provides detailed explanations of each of these.
     • Anupreksha (Contemplations): The 12 types of deep contemplation that aid in spiritual progress: Anitya (impermanence), Asharana (helplessness), Sansara (cycle of birth and death), Ekattva (aloneness), Anyatva (otherness), Ashuchitva (impurity), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (cessation), Nirjara (shedding karma), Loka (the universe), Bodhi-durlabha (rarity of true knowledge), and Dharmasvakhyata (the well-proclaimed Dharma).
     • Parishaha Jay (Conquest of Hardships): The 22 types of hardships that one must endure with equanimity for spiritual progress, such as hunger, thirst, cold, heat, insects, nudity, displeasure, contact with women, begging, non-acceptance of alms, illness, discomfort from grass/thorns, dirt, honor, dishonor, knowledge, ignorance, and the nature of the soul.
     • Charitra (Conduct): Right conduct or spiritual discipline, which has five types explained later in Sutras 9:18 onwards: Samayika, Chedopasthapya, Parihara Vishuddhi, Sukshma Samparaya, and Yathakhyata.

3. Tapas (Austerity) as a Means (Sutra 3):

   • Tapas is identified as a means for both Samvara and Nirjara. The commentary distinguishes between external (Bahya) and internal (Abhyantara) tapas, with 12 types in total.

4. Gupti (Control) (Sutra 4):

   • The commentary elaborates on the importance of Samyag yoga nigraha (proper control of mind, speech, and body) for achieving Samvara. It details the three types: Mano-gupti, Vachana-gupti, and Kaya-gupti.

5. Samiti (Carefulness) (Sutra 5):

   • The five Samitis are explained in detail: Irvya (careful walking), Bhasha (careful speech), Eshana (careful acceptance of alms), Adana-Nixhepana (careful handling of objects), and Utsarga (careful disposal of waste).

6. Dharma (Virtues) (Sutra 6):

   • The ten principal virtues are discussed: Kshama, Mardava, Arjava, Shaucha, Satya, Samyama, Tapas, Tyaga, Akinchanya, and Brahmacharya. Each is explained with its significance and how to cultivate it.

7. Anupreksha (Contemplations) (Sutra 7):

   • The 12 types of Anuprekshas are thoroughly explained, emphasizing their role in developing detachment and spiritual insight, thereby aiding Samvara.

8. Parishaha Jay (Conquest of Hardships) (Sutras 8-10):

   • Sutra 8 defines Parishaha Jay as enduring hardships to maintain spiritual path and shed karma.
   • Sutra 9 lists the 22 types of Parishahas.
   • Sutra 10 categorizes the Parishahas experienced by individuals at different spiritual levels (Suksma Samparaya, Chaddmastha Vitrag, Jin).

9. Charitra (Conduct) (Sutras 11-18):

   • Sutra 11 introduces Charitra as a means of Samvara.
   • Sutras 12-18 then detail the five types of Charitra:
     • Samayika: Maintaining equanimity.
     • Chedopasthapya: Restoring or re-establishing conduct after lapse.
     • Parihara Vishuddhi: Conduct involving special austerities.
     • Sukshma Samparaya: Conduct with subtle passions.
     • Yathakhyata: Perfect or omniscient conduct.

10. Tapas (Austerity) (Sutras 19-22):

    • Bahya Tapas (External Austerities): Sutra 19 details the six types: Anashana (fasting), Unodari (moderate eating), Vritti Parisankhyana (regulating food intake by specific rules), Rasa Parityaga (renunciation of desirable foods), Vivikta Shyay-Asana (living in solitude), and Kaya Klesha (bodily mortification).
    • Abhyantara Tapas (Internal Austerities): Sutra 20 lists the six types: Prayashchitta (atonement), Vinaya (humility/discipline), Vaiyavrittya (service), Swadhyaya (study), Dhyana (meditation), and Vyutsarga (renunciation).
    • Prayashchitta (Atonement) (Sutra 22): The nine types of Prayashchitta are detailed: Alochana (confession), Pratikramana (repentance), Ubhaya (both), Viveka (discrimination), Vyutsarga (renunciation), Tapas (austerity), Cheda (suspension), Parihara (avoidance), and Upasthapana (restoration).
    • Vinaya (Humility/Discipline) (Sutra 23): Explained as having four types: Jnana Vinaya (respect for knowledge), Darshana Vinaya (respect for right faith), Charitra Vinaya (respect for right conduct), and Upachara Vinaya (respectful behavior).
    • Vaiyavrittya (Service) (Sutra 24): The ten recipients of service are described: Acharya (preceptor), Upadhyaya (teacher), Tapasvi (ascetic), Shaixksa (novice), Glana (sick monk), Gana (monastic community under one Acharya), Kula (community of disciples from one Acharya), Sangha (entire monastic order), Sadhu (monk), and Samanogjna (monks of similar conduct).
    • Swadhyaya (Study) (Sutra 25): The five types of Swadhyaya are discussed: Vachana (recitation), Prichhana (questioning), Anupreksha (contemplation), Amnaya (repetition), and Dharmopadesha (preaching of Dharma).
    • Vyutsarga (Renunciation) (Sutra 26): Explained as renunciation of external (Upadhi) and internal (passions) possessions, with two main types: Dravya Vyutsarga (renunciation of external things) and Bhava Vyutsarga (renunciation of internal passions).
    • Dhyana (Meditation) (Sutras 27-41): A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to Dhyana.
      • Sutra 27 defines Dhyana as the focused and undisturbed state of mind, achievable by those with strong physical constitution (Samhanana).
      • Sutra 29 categorizes Dhyana into four types: Arta (sorrowful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Shukla (pure).
      • Sutras 31-33 detail the four types of Arta Dhyana: Anishta Samyoga (contact with the unpleasant), Ishta Viraha (separation from the pleasant), Vedana (pain), and Nidana (desire for future benefits).
      • Sutra 36 describes the four types of Raudra Dhyana: Hinsa (violence), Mrisha (falsehood), Steya (theft), and Vishaya Samrakshana (possessiveness).
      • Sutras 37-38 explain Dharma Dhyana, which is associated with righteous contemplation, and its types (Ajnana Vicaya, Apaya Vicaya, Vipaka Vicaya, Samsthana Vicaya). It is primarily practiced by Apramatta Sanyatas (vigilant ascetics).
      • Sutras 39-41 discuss Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation), achievable by advanced souls (Upashanta Kashaya, Kshina Kashaya, Kevalins). Shukla Dhyana is further categorized into Pṛthaktva Vitarka (meditation on distinct elements), Ekattva Vitarka (meditation on unity), Sukshma Kriya Pratipati (subtle activity), and Vyuparata Kriya Nivṛtti (cessation of all activity).

11. Nirgranthas (Ascetics) and their Classification (Sutras 48-49):

    • Sutra 48 classifies ascetics into five categories based on their adherence to vows and conduct: Pulaka, Vakuśa, Kuśīla, Nirgrantha, and Snātaka.
    • Sutra 49 outlines eight areas of consideration for evaluating ascetics: Samyama (restraint), Kruta (knowledge), Atisevana (violation of vows), Tirtha (preaching tradition), Linga (external symbols), Leshya (subtle mind-states), Upapata (rebirth), and Sthana (spiritual stage).

Commentary Style: The "Abhinav Tika" appears to be a comprehensive and accessible explanation, breaking down the complex Sutras into understandable terms. It uses clear language, defines technical terms, and provides context from other Jain scriptures and traditions where relevant. The commentary also addresses potential questions and offers a devotional tone.

Publisher and Author: Published by Shrutnidhi Ahmedabad, with contributions from Dipratnasagar and Deepratnasagar (likely the same individual or closely related). Muni Diptaratna Sagar is the primary commentator.

In essence, this commentary on the ninth chapter of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra provides a thorough guide to understanding Samvara, its various means (Gupti, Samiti, Dharma, Anupreksha, Parishaha Jay, Charitra), and its connection with Nirjara through Tapas and Dhyana, ultimately aiming for liberation.