Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Shabdasha Vivechan Part 02

This is a comprehensive summary of "Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Shabdasha Vivechan Part 02" by Pravin K Mota, a detailed commentary on the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra, specifically covering Chapters 2, 3, and 4. The summary is based on the provided text, highlighting the key concepts and structure of the commentary.

Book Title: Tattvarthadhigam Sutra Shabdasha Vivechan Part 02 Author: Panditvar Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota Publisher: Gitarth Ganga Content: Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra with commentary.

Overall Purpose: This book is part of a larger series aimed at illuminating the profound secrets of Jainism by consolidating scriptural verses scattered across various texts, resolving apparent contradictions, and presenting them in an accessible style. The commentary, particularly by Panditvar Shri Pravinchandra Mota, focuses on a word-by-word explanation (Shabdasha Vivechan) to provide deep insights into the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra.

Summary of Chapters Covered:

Chapter 2: The Nature of the Soul (Jiva) and its States (Bhavas)

• Introduction: Following Chapter 1, which established Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation, and defined Right Faith as belief in the seven fundamental truths (tattvas), Chapter 2 aims to explain the nature of the Soul (Jiva), which is the primary subject of these truths.
• Key Concepts Explained:
  • The Five States of the Soul (Bhavas): The chapter begins by defining the soul's existence through five essential states:
    1. Aupashamik Bhaav (Suppressed State): Resulting from the suppression of karmic dispositions.
    2. Kshayik Bhaav (Destroyed State): Resulting from the complete destruction of karmic dispositions.
    3. Kshayopashamik Bhaav (Suppressed-Destroyed State): Resulting from the partial suppression and destruction of karmic dispositions.
    4. Audayik Bhaav (Resultant State): Arising from the actual operation (udaya) of karmas.
    5. Parinamik Bhaav (Essential/Natural State): The inherent, natural disposition of the soul, independent of karmas.
  • Classification of Bhavas: The chapter details the sub-categories of these five bhavas: Aupashamik (2 types), Kshayik (9 types), Kshayopashamik (18 types), Audayik (21 types), and Parinamik (3 types).
  • Characteristics of the Soul: The soul is defined by "Upayog" (consciousness/awareness). The chapter discusses the types of Upayog (knowledge-oriented and perception-oriented) and their further classifications.
  • Types of Souls: Souls are categorized as worldly (samsari) and liberated (mukta). Further distinctions are made between souls with mind (samanask) and without mind (amanask).
  • Indriyas (Sensory Organs): The nature of the five senses is explained, including their material (dravya) and functional/spiritual (bhava) aspects. The relationship between senses, mind, and consciousness (Upayog) in cognition is elaborated.
  • Movement and Birth: The chapter describes the soul's movement during transmigration (vigrahagati and avigrahagati), the process of rebirth, and the different modes of birth (sammurchim, garbaja, and upapat).
  • The Five Bodies: The nature of the five types of bodies (audarik, vaikriya, ahārak, taijas, and kaarman) is explained, including their subtle relationships and the number of bodies a soul can possess simultaneously.
  • Sensory Capabilities: The classification of souls based on the number of senses they possess (from one-sensed to five-sensed) is detailed. The specific senses possessed by different categories of souls are outlined.
  • The Mind (Manas): The chapter distinguishes between souls with and without a mind, and discusses the mind's role and its object of perception (Shru't knowledge).
  • The Soul's Attributes: The inherent qualities of the soul, such as existence, distinctiveness, agency, experience, possession of qualities, non-pervasiveness, bondage to beginningless karma, possession of soul-monads (pradesh), formlessness, and eternality, are discussed as Parinamik Bhavas.

Chapter 3: The Realms of Existence (Lok)

• Introduction: Following the explanation of the soul's nature, Chapter 3 shifts focus to the structure of the universe (Lok) and the realms within it, particularly the hellish realms (Narak).
• Key Concepts Explained:
  • The Seven Hellish Realms (Narak Bhumi): The chapter systematically describes the seven hellish realms: Ratnaprabha, Sharkaraprabha, Valukaprabha, Pankaprabha, Dhumaprabha, Tamahprabha, and Mahatamahprabha. The dimensions, layered structure (below each other), and their foundational elements (dense water, dense air, and subtle air/space) are described.
  • The Nature of Naraka Souls: The souls residing in these realms are characterized by their eternal suffering, being subjected to unfavorable (ashubh) types of Lèshya (aura/disposition), intense negative mental states (parinama), and experiencing severe physical suffering (deh, vedana, vikriya). The text elaborates on the specific types of suffering, the physical descriptions of the hellish beings, and the sounds they emit.
  • The Geography of the Universe (Lok): The chapter then delves into the structure of the Lok, describing the Jambudvipa (central continent), its dimensions, the surrounding oceans (samudra), and the concentric ring-like structure of continents and oceans. The placement and relationship of the Meru mountains within this structure are detailed.
  • The Meru Mountain: The central Meru mountain is described in detail, including its three sections (kanda), its composition, its dimensions, and the four parks surrounding it (Bhadraśāla, Nandana, Saumanasa, and Pāṇḍuka). The calculations for the dimensions of Jambudvipa and its features are explained mathematically.
  • Other Continents and Oceans: The commentary mentions other continents (like Dhātakīkhaṇḍa and Puṣkaravara) and oceans that follow a similar pattern of increasing dimensions and the presence of Meru mountains and parks.
  • Human Habitation (Manushyalok): The chapter clarifies that human beings reside within the first three continents and two oceans (known as Adhāi Dvipa). The concept of Karma Bhumi (land of action) and Akarma Bhumi (land of no action/enjoyment) is introduced, with the description of the characteristics of humans in these realms.
  • Inter-continental Islands (Antar Dvipa): The existence of islands between continents is mentioned, populated by various sub-human species, further illustrating the diversity of life within the Lok.
  • The Concept of Lokasthan: The underlying principle of cosmic arrangement (lokasthiti) is highlighted as the reason for the specific configurations of elements within the universe.

Chapter 4: The Heavenly Beings (Deva)

• Introduction: Following the description of the hellish realms, Chapter 4 shifts focus to the celestial beings (Deva).
• Key Concepts Explained:
  • Four Classes of Celestial Beings (Deva Nikaya): The chapter introduces the four primary classifications of celestial beings: Bhavanvasi (dwellers of celestial mansions), Vyantar (intermediate celestial beings), Jyotishka (luminary beings), and Vaimanika (those residing in Viman or celestial vehicles).
  • Sub-categories and Ranks: The commentary details the sub-divisions within each class, including the number of divisions (e.g., 10 for Bhavanvasi, 8 for Vyantar, 5 for Jyotishka, and 12 for Vaimanika up to Kalpopanna). The hierarchical structure within these celestial realms, including Indras (kings), Samanikas (ministers), and other officials, is explained.
  • The Nature of Celestial Beings: The chapter describes the physical characteristics, powers, and dispositions of these celestial beings, highlighting their generally pure and blissful existence compared to worldly beings.
  • Lèshya of Celestial Beings: The specific Lèshya associated with different celestial realms is discussed: yellow (pita) for the first two realms, lotus-like (padma) for the next three, and pure white (shukla) for the higher realms, indicating their increasing spiritual purity.
  • Celestial Realms and Their Structure: The location and arrangement of the celestial realms are described, noting that the Vaimanika heavens are situated above each other. The specific realms from Saudharma up to Sarvarthasiddhi are listed with their corresponding Lèshya and hierarchical structures.
  • The Celestial Hierarchy: The chapter elaborates on the nature of Kūmāra (celestial princes), their divine powers, and their participation in celestial pleasures. The distinction between Kūmāra (with mind and active engagement) and the higher, more detached celestial beings (Amanaska, Apravichara) is made.
  • Life Span (Ayushya): The concept of life span in different celestial realms is discussed, differentiating between अपवर्तीय (breakable) and अनुपवर्तीय (unbreakable) life spans, and their sub-categories.
  • The Nature of the Soul's Existence in Different Realms: The text highlights that while celestial beings possess great powers and enjoy pleasures, their existence is still tied to karma and the cycle of rebirth, albeit in a much more pleasant state than hellish or lower animal births. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding these realms in the context of the soul's journey through the cycles of existence.
  • The Purpose of Celestial Existence: While enjoying immense pleasures, the ultimate goal of celestial birth is often seen as a stepping stone for spiritual progress, particularly for those who eventually attain liberation.

Commentary Style: The commentary by Panditvar Shri Pravinchandra Mota is characterized by its:

• Word-by-Word Explanation (Shabdasha Vivechan): Ensuring a precise understanding of the original sutras.
• Detailed Analysis: Breaking down complex concepts into understandable components.
• Integration of Multiple Perspectives: Referencing different schools of thought or interpretations where relevant.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Presenting profound philosophical ideas in a clear and logical manner, making the complex Tattvarthadhigam Sutra accessible to a wider audience.

This summary provides a structured overview of the significant themes and explanations presented in Part 2 of the commentary, covering the essential aspects of the soul's states, the structure of the universe, and the celestial realms as explained in Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the Tattvarthadhigam Sutra.