Tattvarthadhigama Sutra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvarthadhigama Sutra" by Umaswati, based on the provided pages:

Title: Tattvarthadhigama Sutra Author: Umaswati (also referred to as Umaswami) Commentator/Translator: Muni Rajshekhar Vijayji (with research by Pandit Shri Pukhrajji Amichandji Kothari and others) Publisher: Shri Mad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala and Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsana Publication Year: 1975 CE (Vikram Samvat 2032)

Overview:

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra is a foundational text in Jainism, revered by both Svetambara and Digambara traditions. It aims to systematically explain the essential truths (Tattvas) of Jain philosophy in a concise and comprehensive manner. The text is highly regarded for its author, Umaswati, who is credited with composing 500 texts, and for its ability to encapsulate all fundamental principles of Jainism within a relatively short work. This particular edition includes a Gujarati commentary by Muni Rajshekhar Vijayji, making the profound concepts accessible to a wider audience.

Author and Time Period:

Umaswati's precise time period is not definitively established, but sources suggest he lived between the 1st and 4th centuries CE. He is believed to have been born in Gujarat and composed this text in Kusumapura (Pataliputra). The text's widespread acceptance across Jain sects highlights its importance and the author's profound scholarship.

Structure and Content of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra:

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra is structured into ten chapters, each delving into a specific aspect of Jain philosophy. The text begins with a brief introductory section (Sambandh Karika) and concludes with an epilogue (Antim Karika). The core content covers the following:

Chapter 1: Moksha Marg Prakaran (Principles of the Path to Liberation): This chapter focuses on the ultimate goal of Jainism, Moksha (liberation). It outlines the path to achieve this, which is identified as Samyakdarshan (Right Faith), Samyagnan (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct). These three are considered inseparable and essential for liberation. It elaborates on the importance of Right Faith as the foundation for spiritual progress. The chapter also introduces the concept of seven Tattvas (fundamental principles).
Chapter 2: Jiva Tattva (Soul) and Bhavas (States of the Soul): This chapter details the nature of the soul (Jiva), its characteristics, the various states it undergoes (Aupashamik, Kshayik, Mishra, Audayik, Parinamik), and the classification of souls. It discusses the role of senses and mind in perception and the process of transmigration (Antaral Gati).
Chapter 3: Naraka and Tiryanch Gati (Realms of Suffering and Lower Forms of Life): This chapter describes the seven hellish realms (Narakas), detailing their structure, the suffering experienced by beings there, and their lifespans. It also touches upon the classification of beings in the animal realm (Tiryanchan), including their various forms of existence and lifespans.
Chapter 4: Devgati (The Celestial Realm): This chapter describes the celestial realms, the abode of gods. It classifies them into different categories like Bhavana-pati, Vyantara, Jyotishka, and Vaimanika, detailing their lifespans, characteristics, and the nature of their existence.
Chapter 5: Ajiva Tattva (Non-Soul Substances): This chapter is dedicated to the explanation of the five non-soul substances (Ajiva): Dharmastikaya (medium of motion), Adharmastikaya (medium of rest), Akasha (space), Pudgala (matter), and Kala (time). It details their nature, functions, and characteristics, emphasizing Pudgala's tangible and intangible properties, and the concept of Loka (Jain cosmos). The concept of permutations of matter (Syadvada) is also touched upon.
Chapters 6-9: These chapters systematically explain the principles of Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage of karma), Samvara (cessation of karma influx), and Nirjala (shedding of karma). This includes detailed discussions on vows (vratas), virtues, austerities (tapas), and the various ways karma accumulates and is shed. The text also discusses the Guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body), Samitis (carefulness in conduct), and the stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthans).
Chapter 10: Moksha (Liberation): The final chapter culminates in the explanation of Moksha, the ultimate goal of Jainism. It describes the state of the liberated soul, its characteristics, and the means to achieve it, reinforcing the teachings of Samyagdarshan, Samyagnan, and Samyakcharitra.

Key Concepts Explained:

The text provides a systematic framework for understanding core Jain doctrines:

Tattvas (Principles): The seven fundamental principles of Jainism are explained: Jiva (Soul), Ajiva (Non-soul), Asrava (Influx of Karma), Bandha (Bondage of Karma), Samvara (Cessation of Karma), Nirjala (Shedding of Karma), and Moksha (Liberation).
Pancha Astikaya: The five co-eternal substances that make up the universe.
Anekantavada and Syadvada: The principles of manifoldness of reality and the doctrine of conditioned predication, emphasizing that truth is multifaceted and depends on perspective.
Karma Theory: The detailed explanation of how karma adheres to the soul, the types of karma (Ghati and Aghati), their effects, and the process of their shedding.
Gunasthana (Stages of Spiritual Development): The fourteen stages of spiritual progress, from the lowest (Mithyatva) to the highest (Samyak Samyag-drushti) and ultimately to liberation.
Vows and Conduct: The text elaborates on the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) as the foremost vow, followed by Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). It discusses both Mahavratas (great vows for ascetics) and Anuvratas (lesser vows for householders).
Tapas (Austerities): The text outlines both external (Bahya) and internal (Abhyantara) austerities as crucial for purifying the soul and shedding karma.

Commentary's Contribution:

The Gujarati commentary by Muni Rajshekhar Vijayji is noted for its clarity and accessibility, aiming to make the profound philosophical concepts understandable for those with moderate spiritual inclination and students. It also incorporates additional explanations from other Jain texts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sutra. The publisher, Jain Shreyaskar Mandal Mehsana, has a history of publishing this text, indicating its enduring significance.

Overall Significance:

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, with its clear exposition and the detailed commentary provided in this edition, serves as an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to understand the core tenets of Jain philosophy. It systematically lays out the path to spiritual liberation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct as the means to achieve it. The text's enduring relevance is evident in its continued study and publication across generations and sects of Jainism.