Tattvarthadhigam Sutram Part 07 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of "Tattvarthadhigama Sutra Part 07" by Acharya Rajshekharsuri, Dharmshekharvijay, and Divyashekharvijay, published by Arihant Aradhak Trust. The provided text is primarily in Gujarati with some Sanskrit and Jain terminology.

The book is a detailed commentary and translation of the seventh chapter of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, attributed to Maharshi Umaswati. The commentary is by Shrimad Haribhadrasuri, and the Gujarati translation and explanation are attributed to various revered Acharyas.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Context (Pages 1-8):

Authorship and Lineage: The title page and subsequent pages emphasize the lineage of esteemed Acharyas who have contributed to this work, including Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj, Acharya Shrimad Vijay PremSuri Ishwarji Maharaj, and others. It highlights the vast literary output of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Ramschandrasurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shrimad Vijay KundkundSuri Ishwarji Maharaj.
The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra: It's identified as the foundational text of Jain philosophy, particularly focusing on Dravyānuyoga (the study of substances or categories). The text states that understanding this sutra leads to Samyagdarshan (right perception) and strengthens it.
Commentary: The work is based on the commentary of Shrimad Haribhadrasuri, who is praised for his extensive writings. The commentary is referred to as Dupdupika.
Translation and Editing: The Gujarati translation is by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj. The editing and collaboration are credited to Muni Shri Dharmshekharvijayji Ganivarya and Muni Shri Divyashekharvijayji.
Publication Details: The first edition was published in VS 2070 / VS 2540 by Shri Arihant Aradhak Trust.
Inspiration: The publication is attributed to the inspiration of Pan. Nyasprvar Shrimad Naybhadra Vijayji Maharaj Saheb from Shri Nava Dissa Shvetambar Murti Jain Sangh.

2. Overview of the Seventh Chapter (Pages 9-17):

Chapter Focus: The seventh chapter, according to the Bhumika (Introduction), discusses Vrata (vows) and Shila (conduct) in Jainism. It delves into the definition and types of vows and their associated Aticharas (transgressions).
Importance of the Sutra: The text emphasizes that the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra encapsulates the essence of the entire Jain Shasan (teachings) in a concise form. It highlights that the original teachings originate from the Siddhas (omniscient beings) and have been passed down through a pure lineage of Acharyas, unlike other philosophies whose traditions may not have such a clear or perfect origin.
Author's Intent and Limitations: The translator (Acharya Rajshekharsuri) mentions his eye ailment and the desire for brevity due to limited readership interest in extensive writings. He expresses gratitude to his Gurus for their grace.
Acknowledgement of Helpers: The translator acknowledges the significant contributions of Muni Shri Dharmshekharvijayji and Muni Shri Divyashekharvijayji for their meticulous review, editing, and manuscript preparation. He also thanks Muni Shri Hit Shekhravijayji and Muni Shri Sumatishkhekhravijayji for their roles in press copying. The selfless service of Muni Shri Kaivalyadarshanvijayji during his illness is also deeply appreciated.
The Translator's Personal Journey: The introduction touches upon the personal struggles faced during the translation, including physical ailments and the long duration of the project, highlighting the dedication involved.

3. Detailed Explanation of the Sutras (Pages 24-197): The summary then progresses through the sutras of the seventh chapter, providing the sutra text (in Sanskrit), its Gujarati translation (Bhashyārth), and detailed commentary (Tīkārth). The key topics discussed are:

Sutra 7-1: Definition of Vrata: Defines vows as abstention from violence (himsa), falsehood (anruta), theft (steya), unchastity (abrahma), and possession (parigraha). The commentary clarifies the meaning of virati (abstinence) and the role of mind, speech, and body in its practice.
Sutra 7-2: Types of Vrata (Anu and Maha): Distinguishes between Anuvrata (minor vows) and Mahavrata (major vows) based on the extent of abstention (partial vs. complete).
Sutra 7-3: Bhavanas (Mental Cultivations): Explains the five bhavanas (mental cultivations) for each of the five major vows to strengthen their practice. These include cultivations related to non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.
Sutra 7-4: Consequences of Vrata Transgressions (Apaya/Avadya Darshana): Emphasizes the dire consequences (in this life and the next) of violating vows related to himsa, anruta, steya, abrahma, and parigraha, urging for their renunciation.
Sutra 7-5: Seeing Suffering (Duhkha): Advocates meditating on the suffering inherent in all worldly actions (karmas) and the cycle of birth and death (samsara) as a means to cultivate detachment and strengthen vows.
Sutra 7-6: Maitri, Pramoda, Karuna, Madhyasthyāni (Four Bhavanas): Explains the four important bhavanas (attitudes) to be cultivated towards different beings: Maitri (friendliness towards all), Pramoda (joy in the virtues of others), Karuna (compassion for the suffering), and Madhyasthya (equanimity towards the unvirtuous or indifferent).
Sutra 7-7: Understanding the Nature of the World and Body (Jagat-Kaya Svabhava): Advises meditating on the impermanent, suffering-filled, impure, and essence-less nature of the world and the body to foster saṃvega (spiritual aspiration/urgency) and vairāgya (detachment).
Sutra 7-8: Definition of Himsa (Violence): Defines violence (himsa) as the intentional (pramatta yoga) causing of harm to life force (prana). The commentary elaborates on various forms of violence, differentiating between actions performed with knowledge and intent versus those done without.
Sutra 7-9: Definition of Anruta (Falsehood): Defines falsehood (anruta) as saying something untrue, whether by denying the real, stating the unreal, or speaking harsh or contradictory words. It also includes speech that is harmful even if factually true.
Sutra 7-10: Definition of Steya (Theft): Defines theft (steya) as taking what is not given, including the misuse of trust (nyasa).
Sutra 7-11: Definition of Abrahma (Unchastity): Defines abrahma as maithuna (sexual congress) in its various forms, including with beings or objects that are considered taboo.
Sutra 7-12: Definition of Parigraha (Possession): Defines parigraha as murcha (attachment/infatuation) towards external and internal possessions, driven by desire (lobha).
Sutra 7-13: Definition of Vrati (Vow-holder): Defines a vrati as one who is free from shalya (defilements like Maya, Nida, Mithyadarsana) and observes vows.
Sutra 7-14: Types of Vrati (Agarin and Anagarin): Classifies vrati into agarin (householders who observe vows) and anagarin (ascetics who observe major vows).
Sutra 7-15: Anu-Vrata: Explains that householders observe anu-vrata (minor vows), which are limited in scope compared to maha-vrata.
Sutra 7-16: Seven Shila Vratas: Details the seven Shila Vratas (subsidiary vows or disciplines) that householders observe to support their primary vows: Diga-vrata (vow of limiting directions), Desha-vrata (vow of limiting place), Anartha-danda-virati (abstention from useless activities/harmful speech), Samayika (meditative pause), Paushadha-upavasa (fasting on specific days), Upabhoga-paribhogaparimana (limiting consumption of consumables), and Atithi-samvibhaga (charity/sharing with the needy).
Sutra 7-17: Maranantika Samlekhana: Describes Maranantika Samlekhana (fasting unto death) as a final discipline for ascetics and householders, involving gradual reduction of intake and purification of mind and body.
Sutra 7-18: Aticharas of Samyagdarshan: Lists the five transgressions of right perception (Samyagdarshan): Shanka (doubt), Kanksha (desire for worldly objects/status), Vichikitsa (finding fault with the path or its followers), Anyadrushti-prashamsa (praise of other paths), and Anyadrushti-samstava (condoning/associating with other paths).
Sutras 7-19 to 7-31: These sutras detail the specific Aticharas (transgressions) for each of the five anu-vrata and seven Shila Vratas. Each vow has five specific transgressions outlined. This section is extensive and covers specific prohibited actions within each vow.
Sutra 7-32: Aticharas of Samlekhana: Lists the five transgressions related to Maranantika Samlekhana, which include attachment to life, desire for death, excessive attachment to friends, attachment to pleasures, and ulterior motives.
Sutra 7-33: Definition of Dana (Charity): Defines dana as the benevolent offering of one's own possessions for the welfare of oneself and others.
Sutra 7-34: Factors Influencing Dana: Explains that the virtue and merit of dana are influenced by the Vidhi (method), Dravya (substance given), Dātr̥ (giver), and Pātra (recipient).

4. Overall Impression: The text is a scholarly and devotional work, aiming to elucidate the profound teachings of Jainism through the seventh chapter of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra. It showcases the deep understanding and extensive knowledge of the Acharyas and translators involved in making these ancient teachings accessible in Gujarati. The emphasis is on both theoretical understanding and practical application for spiritual progress. The inclusion of extensive explanations of aticharas highlights the Jain emphasis on meticulous adherence to ethical principles.