Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Part 01" by Bhavyadarshanvijay, focusing on the content of the first volume as presented. The text begins with a detailed introduction and analysis of the author and the work itself, before delving into the Sutra's content.

I. Introduction and Publisher's Notes:

• Book Title: Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Part 01
• Author: Acharya Bhagwan Shri Umāsvāti (also known as Umasvāmi)
• Publisher: Shripalnagar Jain Shvetambar Murthipujak Derasar Trust, Shripalnagar
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004407/1
• Publication Details: Re-published in Veer Samvat 2518 / Vikram Samvat 2047.
• Inspiration: The re-publication was inspired by Pujya Acharya Bhadreshwar Vijay Mitranand Surishwarji Maharaj.
• Esteem for the Work: The text highlights the immense importance of the Tattvarthasutra in Jainism, stating that Acharya Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj praised Acharya Umāsvāti as unparalleled in compiling fundamental truths (tattvas). The work is considered a magnum opus, widely known, and has been extensively commented upon by both Shvetambar and Digambar scholars, with Shri Siddheshwar Gani's commentary being particularly esteemed for its depth and unique insights.
• Trust's History: The text briefly narrates the establishment and growth of the Shripalnagar Jain Shvetambar Mūrtipūjak Derasar Trust and Upashray Trust, from its inception in VS 2022 to the construction of the temple and Upashray and the installation of ancient Jina Bimba (idols) from Delvada.

II. Contents of the Book (As per the Table of Contents):

The book is divided into several sections:

1. A Humble Appeal on the Occasion of Re-publication (पुन: प्रकाशन प्रसंगे किञ्चिद् विज्ञापनम्): Likely an editor's note or a message from the trust.
2. Foreword (प्रस्तावना): An introduction to the text, its author, and its significance.
3. Svopajña Sambandhakarika (with commentaries) (स्वोपज्ञसम्बन्धकारिका (टीकादयोपेता)): This refers to the introductory verses and their commentaries, likely establishing the context and purpose of the Tattvartha Sutra.
4. First Chapter (प्रथमोऽध्यायः): The main body of the text begins here.
5. Second Chapter (द्वितीयोऽध्यायः)
6. Third Chapter (तृतीयोऽध्यायः)
7. Fourth Chapter (चतुर्थोऽध्यायः)
8. Fifth Chapter (पञ्चमोऽध्यायः)
9. Index of Sutras in Sequence (सूत्रक्रमेणान्तराधिकारसूचा)
10. Errata based on Experience (अनुभवाधारेणाशुदिशोधनपत्रकम्)

III. Key Themes and Analyses within the Foreword and Preliminary Sections:

• The Vastness of Jain Scripture: The text emphasizes the inexhaustible richness of Jain scriptures, containing the essence of universal philosophy.
• Umāsvāti's Genius: Acharya Umāsvāti is credited with skillfully compiling the "tattvas" (fundamental truths) and is recognized as the author of 500 great texts, with the Tattvartha Sutra being his most renowned.
• Commentaries on Tattvarthasutra: The foreword notes the existence of about 25 Sanskrit commentaries by various learned monks from both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. Siddha Rishi Gani's commentary is highlighted for its special qualities.
• Structure of the Tattvarthasutra: The foreword outlines the content of the ten chapters:
  • Chapter 1: Samyak-tva (Right Faith), Nikshepa (Classification), Jñāna (Knowledge), Nyāya (Reasoning).
  • Chapter 2: Jiva (Soul) - its characteristics, fifty-three types of āupashamika (suppressed) and other bhavas (states), types of souls, indriyas (senses), lifespan.
  • Chapter 3: Naraka (Hell) and its inhabitants, description of the human realm, tiryanchas (animals).
  • Chapter 4: Devagati (Realm of Gods) and their lifespans.
  • Chapter 5: Dharmāstikāya (Principle of Motion) and other souls, characteristics of substances.
  • Chapter 6: Āsrava (Influx of Karma).
  • Chapter 7: Desha-virati (Partial Vow) and Sarva-virati (Complete Vow).
  • Chapter 8: Bandha (Bondage of Karma).
  • Chapter 9: Samvara (Stoppage of Karma) and Nirjarā (Shedding of Karma).
  • Chapter 10: Moksha (Liberation) and the path to it.
• Verse Count: Approximately 198 sutras in the original, with the commentary (Bhashya) containing around 2200 verses. Siddha Sena Gani's commentary is noted to be 18282 verses long.
• Canon Variance: The Shvetambara tradition recognizes 344 sutras, while the Digambara tradition counts 357, indicating textual variations.
• Importance of Recitation: The Digambara tradition also considers the Tattvartha Sutra as Moksha Shastra (Scripture of Liberation) and places great value on its recitation, equating it to observing an Ekopavasa (fast for one day).
• Universal Appeal: The text's importance is further evidenced by commentaries written in Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati, Karnatakī, English, and German.
• Commentaries Mentioned: A significant portion of the preliminary text is dedicated to listing and briefly describing various commentaries on the Tattvarthasutra from both Shvetambar and Digambar traditions. These include works by Umāsvāti (his own Bhashya), Siddha Sena, Haribhadra Suri, Yashovijay, Malayagiri, Pujyapad, Bhaṭṭakalanka, Vidyānandi, Shruta Sāgara, Vibudh Senāchārya, Yogindradev, and others. The editors acknowledge their indebtedness to the Devchand Lalbhai Pustakoddhar Fund for their efforts.
• Authorship Debates: The text discusses the historical context and potential authorship of Umāsvāti, referencing traditions that place him in the 5th century BCE (Shvetambar) and between 714-798 CE (Digambar), acknowledging the complexity and differing views on his exact time period. It also touches upon the scholarly lineage, connecting Umāsvāti to prominent figures like Āryadin, Ārya Shāntishrenika, and others. The debate about whether Umāsvāti was Shvetambar or Digambar is explored, leaning towards Shvetambar based on certain textual interpretations, particularly regarding the number of divine beings mentioned.

IV. Analysis of Key Concepts (as hinted in the preliminary sections):

• Tattvas: The fundamental principles or realities discussed in Jain philosophy (likely Jiva, Ajiva, Āsrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjarā, Moksha, and the substances like Dharma, Adharma, Ākāsha, Pudgala, Kāla, and the soul).
• Syādvāda: The Jain doctrine of conditional predication or manifold aspects of reality, central to its dialectical approach.
• Dravyanuyoga: The branch of Jain philosophy dealing with substances and their properties, where the Tattvarthasutra is primarily placed.
• Nayas (Perspectives): The text hints at the importance of different philosophical standpoints (like Niścaya Naya - ultimate truth, and Vyavahāra Naya - conventional truth) in understanding reality, as Umāsvāti's work integrates these.
• Pramāṇas: Sources of valid knowledge (like Pratyaksha - direct perception, and Paroksha - indirect knowledge) and the role of Nayasm (standpoints) in interpreting them.

V. Editorial and Publishing Information:

• The publication includes a "Kincid Vigyapan" (A Humble Appeal), "Prastavna" (Foreword), and other preliminary sections.
• The editor is Muni Bhavyadarsan Vijay.
• The publishers are grateful for the inspiration and support from various Acharyas and funds, indicating a strong commitment to the dissemination of Jain knowledge.

Overall Purpose:

The "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Part 01" appears to be a scholarly re-edition of a foundational Jain text, accompanied by significant commentaries, aiming to make this crucial scripture accessible to a wider audience while also providing historical and editorial context. The text itself, even in these introductory portions, underscores the profound philosophical depth and the intricate lineage of commentaries that have preserved and illuminated Jain teachings for centuries. The introduction also highlights the dedication of the Shripalnagar Jain Trust to the preservation and propagation of Jain literature.