Tattvarthadhigam Sutram Part 04

The provided text is Volume 4 of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, focusing on Chapter 4, with a Gujarati translation and commentary by Acharya Vijay Rajshekharsurishwarji. The publication is by Arihant Aradhak Trust.

This document provides a detailed summary of Chapter 4 of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, which deals with the classification and characteristics of celestial beings (Devas).

Here's a breakdown of the chapter's content as presented in the text:

Introduction and Context:

• The chapter begins by referencing previous chapters where "Deva gati" (celestial existence) was mentioned and the nature of celestial beings was briefly touched upon.
• The author, Ubhasvati Maharaja, is presented as the compiler of this knowledge, drawing from the teachings of great ācāryas and ultimately from the omniscient beings (Sarvajñas).
• The importance of understanding these principles for developing right faith (Samyakdarshan) is highlighted.

Classification of Celestial Beings:

• Four Main Categories (Nikāyas): The chapter establishes that celestial beings are broadly classified into four main categories:

  1. Bhavanvāsī (Dwelling within Buildings): These beings reside in celestial mansions.
  2. Vyantara (Intermediate Beings): These beings inhabit the intermediate regions.
  3. Jyotiṣka (Luminous Beings): These are the celestial bodies like the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
  4. Vaimānika (Vehicular Beings): These beings reside in celestial vehicles (vimānas).

• Sub-classifications within each Nikāya:

  • Bhavanvāsī: Further divided into ten sub-groups based on their lineage (e.g., Asura Kumāras, Nāga Kumāras, etc.). Their characteristics, dwelling places, and insignia are described.
  • Vyantara: Further divided into eight sub-groups (e.g., Kinnaras, Kimpuruṣas, Mahoragas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Bhūtas, Piśācas). Their subdivisions, characteristics, and insignia are also detailed.
  • Jyotiṣka: Classified into five types: Suns, Moons, Planets, Stars, and Scattered Stars. Their positions, movements, and the dimensions of their vehicles are discussed.
  • Vaimānika: These are further divided into two main groups:
    • Kalpopapanna (Dwelling within Kalpas): These are beings residing in the twelve celestial realms (Kalpas).
    • Kalpātīta (Beyond Kalpas): These are beings residing in realms beyond the Kalpas (Graiveyakas and Anuttara Vimānas).

Characteristics of Celestial Beings:

• Leshyā (Coloration of the Soul's Aura): The chapter discusses the types of Leshyā associated with different celestial beings. Bhavanvāsī and Vyantara have Krishna, Neela, Kāpota, and Tijas Leshyā. Vaimānikas, starting from Saudharma-Īśāna, have Pīta (yellow), then Padma (lotus-colored), and finally Śukla (white) Leshyā in the higher realms, with increasing purity.
• Mithuna-sevana (Sexual Union): The chapter details the manner of reproduction for different classes of celestial beings:
  • Bhavanvāsī and some Vaimānikas up to Īśāna engage in sexual union.
  • Those above Īśāna reproduce through touch (Sparśa), sight (Rūpa), sound (Śabda), or mental conception (Manas). The higher the realm, the more subtle the method.
  • Anuttara Vimāna dwellers are beyond any form of sexual union, experiencing immense bliss through their very nature.
• Status and Progression:
  • The celestial realms are arranged in ascending order, with higher realms generally possessing greater purity, bliss, and spiritual development.
  • The concept of "Āyuṣ" (lifespan) for different celestial beings is extensively described, detailing the minimum and maximum durations in various realms.
  • Duścara-Karma and Divine Service: The text touches upon the concept of "Ābhīyogika" beings who are bound by karma to serve the celestial beings.
• Specific Realms and Beings:
  • Bhavanvāsī: Detailed descriptions of the ten classes, their residences, rulers (Indras), and their respective lifespans.
  • Vyantara: Descriptions of the eight classes, their rulers, and lifespans.
  • Jyotiṣka: Detailed explanations of the suns, moons, planets, and stars, their movements around Mount Meru, their lifespans, and the concept of time measurement based on their movements.
  • Vaimānika:
    • Kalpopapanna: Detailed descriptions of the twelve Kalpas, their order, the number of vimānas in each, and the lifespans of the beings residing there.
    • Graiveyakas: Described as being located in the neck-region of the cosmic being, further classified into lower, middle, and upper groups.
    • Anuttara Vimānas: Vijay, Vaijayanta, Jayanta, Aparājita, and Sarvārthasiddha, noted for their exceptional spiritual status and beings with limited rebirths.
  • Lokāntika (Cosmic Boundary Beings): These beings reside in Brahmaloka and are known for their pure state and compassion. They are described as having nine subdivisions.
• Rebirth and Liberation: The text mentions that beings from Vijayādi vimānas take a maximum of two more births before liberation, while those from Sarvārthasiddha take only one more birth.
• Time Measurement: The chapter extensively discusses the measurement of time, from a "Samaya" (the smallest unit of time) to "Pudgala Parāvartana" (a vast cosmic cycle), with detailed explanations of Palya and Sāgaropama and their subdivisions. The concept of ascending and descending cycles of time (Utsarpiṇī and Avaśarpiṇī) is also explained in relation to the lifespan and spiritual development of beings in different regions.
• Status of Beings in Different Realms: The chapter emphasizes that while higher realms generally offer greater bliss and longer lifespans, the ultimate bliss comes from spiritual development and the attainment of liberation.

Overall, Chapter 4 of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, as presented in this Gujarati translation, provides a comprehensive astronomical and cosmological overview of the celestial realms and their inhabitants within Jain philosophy, detailing their classifications, characteristics, lifespans, and the spiritual significance of their existence.