Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Pancham Adhyaya Vivechan - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary of the "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Pancham Adhyaya Vivechan" by Acharya Shri Vikram Surishwarji M.S. (based on the commentary of Mahatarkik Siddhsen Ganik) aims to capture the essence of the provided text. Given the extensive length and depth of the original Gujarati text, this summary will focus on the core philosophical and logical arguments presented, particularly concerning the nature of reality (dravya and parayaya) within Jain philosophy as explained in the fifth chapter of the Tattvarthasutra.

Book Title: Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Pancham Adhyaya Vivechan Author(s): Vikramsuri, Naypadmashreeji (as vivaran (commentator) and sankshepa (compiler/editor) respectively) Publisher: Shrutnidhi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022527/1

Summary:

The text is a detailed commentary and explanation of the fifth chapter of the Tattvarthasutra, a foundational Jain scripture authored by Umaswati. This chapter, in particular, delves into the nature of "ajiva" (non-living substances), which are fundamental to understanding the Jain metaphysical framework. The commentary is attributed to Acharya Shri Vikram Surishwarji Maharaj, drawing from the elucidation of the commentary by the great logician Siddhsen Ganik.

The fifth chapter of the Tattvarthasutra, according to this exposition, is primarily dedicated to the discussion of "Ajiva" (non-sentient substances). The text systematically breaks down the Tattvarthasutra's aphorisms (sutras) of this chapter, explaining their meaning, providing logical reasoning, and addressing potential philosophical debates and alternative viewpoints.

Key Concepts and Sections Covered:

The summary meticulously follows the structure of the original text, outlining the philosophical discussions in a sequential manner. Based on the provided pages, the commentary appears to cover the following aspects of the fifth chapter:

Introduction to Ajiva (Page 10-12): The chapter begins by establishing its subject matter: the Ajiva tattvas. It contrasts the earlier chapters' focus on Jiva (soul) with this chapter's focus on the non-living aspects of reality. The text highlights the unique Jain perspective on these substances, which reflects the profundity of omniscience (Kevala Jnana).
The Five Astikayas (Page 12-27): The core of the fifth chapter, and thus this commentary, revolves around the five Astikayas (fundamental substances that have extension in space):
- Dharma (Dharmastikaya): The medium of motion. The text explains its function in facilitating movement for sentient and non-sentient beings.
- Adharma (Adharmastikaya): The medium of rest. It explains its function in facilitating stillness and rest for beings and substances.
- Akasha (Akashastikaya): Space. The text discusses its role in providing accommodation for all substances and the distinction between Lokakasha (space where substances exist) and Alokakasha (space beyond the universe).
- Pudgala (Pudgalastikaya): Matter. This is a central focus, with the text elaborating on its characteristics: form, taste, smell, touch, sound, its atomic nature (paramanu), and the concept of complexes (skandhas). The discussion on Pudgala is extensive, covering its various permutations and properties.
- Jiva (Jivastikaya): While Jiva is primarily dealt with in earlier chapters, its relation to space and its abode within the Lokakasha is touched upon in relation to other Astikayas.
Nature of Substances: Nitya, Avashthita, Arupa (Page 34-46): The commentary discusses the eternal (nitya), permanent (avashthita), and formless (arupa) nature of substances, except for Pudgala, which is described as Rupi (having form). It addresses the philosophical debate on the indestructibility of substances.
Properties of Pudgala (Pages 46-84): This is a very detailed section. The text meticulously explains:
- Subtle and Gross Pudgala: How Pudgala can exist in subtle (e.g., paramanu) and gross (e.g., skandha) forms.
- Pudgala's Interaction: How Pudgala interacts with other substances, particularly its role in the formation of bodies, speech, and mind.
- Sensory Qualities: Pudgala's inherent qualities of touch, taste, smell, and color (rupa), and their different permutations.
- Sound, Bond, Subtle/Gross Form, Structure, Division, Darkness, Shadow, Light, and Radiance: These are elaborated as specific qualities of Pudgala. The text delves into the classification of sound and the philosophical implications of subtle and gross forms.
- The Concept of Atoms (Paramanu): The text discusses the indivisible nature of paramanu and its role in forming Pudgala. It addresses the argument of whether atoms have parts and refutes the Buddhist notion of momentary existence of matter.
- The Nature of Pudgala Complexes (Skandhas): How atoms combine to form skandhas (complexes) through processes of aggregation (sanghata), disjunction (bheda), and aggregation-disjunction (sanghatabheda).
The Nature of Time (Page 145-159): The commentary explains the concept of Kala (Time) as a substance that enables the sequence of events (vartana), change (parinama), and duration. It discusses how time is perceived and its role in the universe. The text also touches upon the classification of time and its relationship with other substances.
The Concept of Pudgala's Qualities (Pages 165-198): This section further elaborates on the manifold qualities of Pudgala, including subtle distinctions in touch, taste, smell, color, and sound. It addresses the philosophical nuances of these qualities and their manifestation.
The Concept of Naya (Standpoints) and Syadvada (Page 198-348 onwards): A significant portion of the commentary engages with the concept of Nayas (viewpoints) and Syadvada (the doctrine of manifoldness). It explains how different Nayas (like Dravyarthika, Paryayarthika, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, Evambhuta) are used to understand reality from various perspectives. The text addresses debates with other philosophical schools, particularly the Buddhist doctrine of momentariness (kshanika vada) and the concept of Pudgala as consciousness. It clarifies the Jain perspective on the interplay of Nayas in describing reality.
The Nature of Substances and their Existence (Pages 348 onwards): The commentary revisits the fundamental concept of "Sat" (existence) as defined by Umaswati: "Utpadavyayadhrauvyayuktam sat" (that which is characterized by origination, decay, and permanence is existent). It breaks down these concepts and their implications for the seven substances (dravyas) in Jainism, emphasizing the Naya-centric approach to understanding reality.
Debates on Nayas and Reality: The text engages in extensive philosophical debates, particularly contrasting Jain Nayas with Buddhist and other philosophical schools. It aims to establish the validity of the Jain perspective on reality, highlighting the importance of Nayas in resolving apparent contradictions and presenting a holistic view. The commentary emphasizes that Nayas are tools for understanding the multifaceted nature of reality and that a comprehensive view requires integrating these different standpoints.
The Interplay of Nayas and Reality: The commentary underscores that each Naya reveals a specific aspect of reality. Dravyarthika Naya focuses on the eternal, unchanging essence (dhrauvya), while Paryayarthika Naya emphasizes the changing, momentary aspects (utpad-vyay). The Jain perspective, as presented here, asserts that both are essential for a complete understanding of reality, as they are not contradictory but rather complementary.

Overall Significance:

The "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Pancham Adhyaya Vivechan" serves as an in-depth philosophical treatise on the Jain understanding of non-living substances. It not only explains the core tenets of the Tattvarthasutra's fifth chapter but also engages in critical analysis, refutation of opposing viewpoints, and elaboration of complex philosophical concepts like Nayas and Syadvada. The commentary's thoroughness aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding Jain ontology and metaphysics. The text highlights the intricate logic and philosophical depth that characterizes classical Jain literature.

This summary, while extensive, aims to reflect the structured and detailed nature of the original commentary, providing a clear overview of the philosophical journey through the fifth chapter of the Tattvarthasutra as presented by Acharya Shri Vikram Surishwarji.