Tattvarthadhigam Sutram Part 03 - Book Summary

Summary of Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, Part 03 by Acharya Rajshekharsuri, Dharmshekharvijay, Divyashekharvijay

This document is the third part of the Gujarati translation and commentary of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism. This volume focuses on Chapter 3, which delves into the cosmology and the realms of existence, primarily the hellish realms and the structure of the universe.

Key Figures and Contributions:

Original Text: Tattvarthadhigama Sutra by Bhagwat Umaswati.
Commentary: The original commentary (Bhashya) and the commentary on the commentary (Vrutti) were done by Haribhadrasuri.
Gujarati Translation and Commentary: The current volume is a Gujarati translation (Bhavanuvad) by the esteemed Acharya Shri Vijay Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj.
Editing and Support: Muni Shri Dharmshekharvijayji Gani (editor) and Muni Shri Divyashekharvijayji provided crucial support.

Chapter 3: Cosmology and Hellish Realms

The third chapter meticulously details the structure of the universe and the nature of existence within the hellish realms, known as Naraka.

Key Concepts and Details Covered:

The Seven Naraka (Hellish) Earths: The chapter begins by enumerating the seven hellish earths, from the topmost to the lowest:
- Ratnaprabha (Jewel-like radiance)
- Sharkara Prabha (Sugar-crystal radiance)
- Valuka Prabha (Sand-like radiance)
- Panka Prabha (Mud-like radiance)
- Dhum Prabha (Smoke-like radiance)
- Tamah Prabha (Darkness radiance)
- Mahatamah Prabha (Great darkness radiance)
These earths are described as being progressively wider and located one below the other. The chapter also provides their respective depths in Yojana (a unit of distance).
Composition and Support: The Naraka earths are described as being supported by dense water (Ghanambu), wind (Vata), and ether/space (Akasha). The chapter elaborates on the density and layers of these supporting elements.
The Structure of the Universe (Lok): The chapter provides a visual representation and description of the universe (Lok), which is divided into three main parts:
- Adholok (Lower Realm): Comprising the seven hellish earths, described as being shaped like half a pot or a cow's neck, widening downwards.
- Tiryaglok (Horizontal Realm): Containing countless islands and oceans, shaped like a platter. This realm is where humans reside.
- Urdhvalok (Upper Realm): Resembling a drum, housing the heavens (Deva Lokas).
The dimensions of the universe, measured in Rajas (a very large unit of distance), are also presented.
The Meru Mountain and Continents: The central and immensely significant Meru Mountain is described as the axis of the universe, with the Jambudvipa continent surrounding its base. The chapter details the various layers of Meru (Kandas), its circumambulating celestial gardens (Vanas), and its immense dimensions. It also describes the seven major regions (Kshetras) of Jambudvipa, divided by the six Vushadhar Mountains.
The Nature of Naraka Dwellers (Narakis): The chapter extensively details the suffering and characteristics of beings born in the hellish realms:
- Leshya (Disposition): Narakis are born with the most inauspicious colors of Leshya (Kaapot, Neel, Krishna), which intensify in lower hells.
- Parinam (Mental States): They experience negative mental states, characterized by intense suffering, attachment, aversion, and delusion.
- Deha (Body): Their bodies are described as grotesque, terrifying, and impure, reflecting their negative karma.
- Vedana (Pain): They endure extreme and unbearable pain, both heat-related and cold-related, far beyond human comprehension.
- Vikriya (Transformations): They are subject to agonizing physical transformations and agonizing actions.
- Interpersonal Suffering: Narakis inflict pain upon each other, driven by intense anger and hatred, amplified by their limited knowledge of the true nature of reality.
- Suffering from Paramadhami Devas: Lower celestial beings called Paramadhamis, who themselves suffer from their own negative karma, derive pleasure from inflicting further torment on the Narakis.
Lifespan in Naraka: The chapter specifies the maximum lifespans (Para Sthiti) in each of the seven hellish realms, measured in Sagaropamas (another immense unit of time). The lifespans increase from one hell to the next.
The Classification of Humans: The text distinguishes between Aryans and Mlecchas. Aryans are further categorized based on their birth (Kshetra), lineage (Jati, Kul), actions (Karma), skills (Shilpa), and language (Bhasha). Mlecchas are those who deviate from these norms, including those in the outer islands and those with barbarous customs.
The Structure of the Universe (Jambudvipa and Beyond): The chapter elaborates on the structure of Jambudvipa, its surrounding oceans, and the mountains that divide its regions. It also introduces the concept of Dhātki Khand and Pushkaradvipa, which are mirror images of Jambudvipa, and the significant Manushyottara mountain that marks the boundary of the human realm.
Mathematical Calculations: The chapter delves into the complex mathematical calculations required to determine the dimensions of continents, mountains, and celestial bodies, referencing concepts like circumference, radius, and geometric relationships.
Karma and Liberation: The chapter subtly emphasizes the role of karma in determining one's birth and suffering in the Naraka realms. It also highlights the possibility of liberation (Siddhi) through the practice of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct, which are facilitated by the presence of Tirthankaras in the Karma Bhumi.

Overall Significance:

Chapter 3 of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra provides a detailed and systematic understanding of the Jain cosmological framework. It serves to illustrate the consequences of negative karma and the extreme suffering that characterizes the lower realms, thereby underscoring the importance of spiritual pursuit for liberation. The mathematical descriptions, while complex, demonstrate the Jain emphasis on precise knowledge and rational understanding of the universe.