Tattvarthadhigam Sutram

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvarthadhigama Sutra" as presented in the provided Gujarati pages, focusing on its structure, content, and purpose:

Title: Shri Tattvarthadhigama Sutram (શ્રી તત્ત્વાર્થ-અધિગમ-સૂત્રમ્)

Author: Acharya Umaswati (વાચકવર શ્રી ઉમાસ્વાતિજી મહારાજ) Also associated authors/contributors: Umaswami, Ramvijay, Chimanlal Dalsukhbhai Gandhi, Kundakundsuri

Publisher: Dhurandharsuri Samadhi Mandir (શ્રી ધુરન્ધરસૂરિ સમાધિ મન્દિર)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/022515/1

Overall Purpose and Uniqueness: The publication aims to be a comprehensive resource for both Jain and non-Jain seekers of knowledge about Jainism. It emphasizes that this single book can satisfy the desire for information about Jain Dharma from a single source. The text is lauded for its encyclopedic nature, covering nearly all philosophical subjects of Jainism without leaving any significant topic undiscussed. It is intended to facilitate the study and practice of Jain principles for self-realization and welfare.

Key Features of this Edition: This particular edition is highlighted for its exceptional qualities:

1. Original Sutra Text: The original Sanskrit/Prakrit sutras.
2. Translation: A heartfelt and meaningful translation of the sutras.
3. General Meaning: A straightforward explanation of the sutras.
4. Commentary (Vivechan): A detailed elaboration explaining the meanings in depth.
5. Sambandh Karika and Charmopadesh Karika: Both introductory and concluding verses/chapters are included with their translations.
6. Study Guide: A study plan for the ten chapters.
7. Questionnaires: A question bank for each chapter.
8. Appendices: Supplementary materials.
9. Detailed Index: A thorough index for easy navigation.

Key Contributors and Their Roles:

• Acharya Umaswati (Umaswati/Umaswami): The original author and compiler of the sutras, described as a great compiler and one who encompassed vast knowledge.
• Muniraj Shri Ramvijayji (Muniraj Shri Ramvijayji): The translator (anuvadak), praised for his soulful translation of the sutras into Gujarati verse (Harigeet Chhand) and his deep knowledge of Dravyanuyog (Jain metaphysics).
• Chimanlal Dalsukhbhai Gandhi (Gandhi Chimanlal Dalsukhbhai): The commentator (vivekankar), a student of Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, who provided detailed explanations.
• Acharya Shri Kundakundsuri: The editor and inspiration behind the publication, responsible for bringing out this useful ancient text.

Significance of Tattvarthadhigama Sutra:

• Comprehensive Compilation: Acharya Umaswati is recognized for condensing the essence of Jain teachings into this text. Although stated to be a fragment of the vast Jain literature (fourteen Purvas), it is considered a complete collection of Jain principles from a modern perspective.
• Foundation of Jain Philosophy: The sutra is presented as a key text that provides knowledge of Jain philosophy across its ten chapters.
• Path to Liberation: The author himself states that understanding and following the teachings of this sutra will lead to the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
• Universally Accepted: The text is accepted by both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions of Jainism, with a particularly strong emphasis on its study by Digambaras.
• Conciseness and Depth: It's considered a "navneet" (essence) of many Jain scriptures, capturing profound knowledge in a concise, sutra-based style.

Structure and Content (As indicated by the Index):

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra is divided into ten chapters (Adhyayas), each covering specific aspects of Jain philosophy and practice. The index provides a detailed breakdown:

• Chapter 1: Moksha Marga (मोक्षमार्ग)
  • Introduction to the path to liberation.
  • Definition of Samyagdarshan (right faith).
  • The seven tattvas (soul, non-soul, influx, bondage, stopping, liberation, and soul itself).
  • The system of Niskhep (classification), Pramana (means of knowledge), and Nay (standpoints).
  • Discussion on Samyagjnana (right knowledge) and Samyagcharitra (right conduct).
  • Detailed explanation of various types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala).
  • The nature of Pramana and Nay.
• Chapter 2: Jiva (जीव - Soul)
  • The fivefold nature of the soul (Aupashamik, Kshayik, Mishra, Audayik, Parinamik).
  • The unique characteristics of the soul.
  • Types of souls (Jivas).
  • The nature of senses, mind, species, and vital energies.
  • The process of transmigration (gati).
  • Description of the body types.
  • The nature of Vedas (feelings).
  • The nature of lifespan.
• Chapter 3: Naraka and Earthly Beings (मध्यलोक)
  • Description of Naraka (hellish realms).
  • The seven hellish earths, their inhabitants, suffering, and lifespan.
  • Description of the middle world (Madhyaloka), including the continent of Jambudvipa and Mount Meru.
  • The description of human lifespans and the characteristics of human beings and Tiryanchas (sub-human beings).
• Chapter 4: Heavenly Beings (Deva)
  • Four classes of heavenly beings: Bhavanapati, Vyantar, Jyotishka, and Vaimanika.
  • Their types, families, lifespan, enjoyments, and realms.
  • Detailed descriptions of various celestial abodes and beings.
• Chapter 5: Ajiva (अजीव - Non-soul)
  • The fivefold categories of Ajiva: Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), Kala (time), and Pudgala (matter).
  • The nature, substance, and attributes of these Ajiva entities.
  • Differentiating between Pudgala (matter) and the other four Ajiva categories.
• Chapter 6: Asrava (आस्रव - Influx of Karma)
  • The causes of karma influx (Yoga and Kashaya).
  • Detailed classification of karma influx based on actions (Mano-yoga, Vachana-yoga, Kaya-yoga), vices (Avratas), passions (Kashayas), senses (Indriyas), and actions (Kriyas).
  • The specific causes leading to bondage of various karma types (Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya, Vedaniya, Mohaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gotra, Antaraya).
• Chapter 7: Samvara (संवर - Stopping Karma)
  • The definition and purpose of Samvara.
  • The means of Samvara: Gupti (control of mind, speech, body), Samiti (carefulness in conduct), Dharma (virtues), Anupreksha (contemplation), Parishaha (endurance of hardships), and Charitra (conduct).
  • Detailed explanations of the five Vratas (vows) and their respective Bhavanas (cultivations) and Aticharas (infringements).
• Chapter 8: Bandha (बंध - Bondage of Karma)
  • The causes of karma bondage (mithya-darshan, avirati, pramada, kashaya, yoga).
  • The four types of karma bondage: Prakriti (type), Sthiti (duration), Anubhaga (intensity), and Pradesha (quantity).
  • The eight karmas and their numerous subdivisions (mentioned as 5, 9, 2, 28, 4, 42, 2, 5).
• Chapter 9: Nirjara (निर्जरा - Shedding of Karma)
  • The definition and process of shedding karma.
  • The means of Nirjara: Tapas (asceticism) and the various types of external and internal tapas.
  • The qualities of a Muni (ascetic) and the concept of restraint (Samvara).
  • Detailed explanation of twenty-two Parishahas (hardships) and their context within the soul's journey.
  • The stages of spiritual progress (Guna-sthanas) and the associated increase in Nirjara.
• Chapter 10: Moksha (मोक्ष - Liberation)
  • The conditions for achieving Moksha (elimination of all karma).
  • The nature of the liberated soul (Siddha).
  • The movement of the liberated soul upwards to the apex of the universe (Alokanta).
  • The description of the Siddha Loka (abode of the liberated souls) and the bliss of liberation.
  • The twelve auxiliary principles of Moksha.

Overall Impression: The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, particularly in this detailed Gujarati edition, serves as a foundational text for understanding the entirety of Jain doctrine. It systematically presents the core principles of Jainism, making them accessible through translation, commentary, and study aids. The emphasis on practical application and spiritual welfare underscores its significance for followers of the faith.