Tattvarthadhigama Sutra

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra: A Comprehensive Summary

The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, attributed to Umaswati (also known as Umaswami), is a foundational text in Jainism, revered by both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions. The provided text, published by Motiji Kapurchand Tarachand, is an English translation of this important work, featuring commentaries by Vijaydarshansuri and Yashovijay, among others. The excerpt focuses heavily on the preface (Prastavana) and the initial part of the work, offering rich context about the sutra's significance, its author, and its impact.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text, particularly the preface and introductory sections:

1. Significance and Universality of Jinavani (Jain Scriptures):

• The preface emphasizes the unparalleled comprehensiveness and vastness of Jinavani (Jain scriptures), stating that there is no object or line of thought that has not been touched upon by them.
• The teachings of the omniscient Tirthankaras (Sarvajna Deva) are described as illuminating the entirety of the universe with their complete knowledge, like an object held in the palm of the hand. This vastness can be awe-inspiring and dazzling to limited human intellect.

2. Umaswati's Achievement in the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra:

• Umaswati, a highly revered scholar and likened to Kalikalsarvajna (omniscient of the current era) by Acharya Hemachandra, is credited with distilling the essence of the vast Jain canon (Dwadasangi) into a concise and accessible form through the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra.
• The author's profound intellect and ability to encapsulate numerous profound concepts into brief sutras are highlighted, fulfilling the saying, "Sutram yattyalpākṣaraiḥ bahūn uktim," (A sutra is that which conveys many meanings in few words).
• The sutra is praised for its beautiful compilation of Jain philosophy, covering subjects like right knowledge, right faith, right conduct, and the nature of the universe, all presented in a lucid and comprehensible manner.
• Umaswati's work is considered a seminal text for acquiring Jain philosophy in a concentrated form, serving as a gateway to deeper understanding and scholarship.

3. Key Jain Concepts Elaborated in the Sutra:

The preface details the wide array of profound Jain concepts covered in the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, including:

• Philosophy of Truth (Tattvavada): The sutra delves into the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy.
• Epistemology (Naya-vada, Nikshepa-vada, Pramana-vada): It elaborates on the theories of different viewpoints, classification systems, and means of valid knowledge.
• Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Truth (Satya): The golden principles of Ahimsa and Satya are central to the sutra's teachings.
• Potential of the Soul (Atma): The infinite power and ultimate potential of the soul are proclaimed.
• The Goal and the Path (Dhyeya and Marga): The supreme goal (Moksha) and the path to achieving it are clearly outlined.
• Asceticism (Sanyam): The importance of rigorous self-discipline is emphasized, even while presenting it in a gentle manner.
• Nature of Substances (Padarthas): The distinct characteristics of the six Jaina substances (Jiva, Ajiva, etc.) are explained.
• Cosmology: The realms of heaven (Varga) and hell (Naraka) are described.
• Moksha Marga: The path to liberation, comprising Right Faith (Samyagdarshana), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyakcharitra), is illuminated.
• Karma and Causality: The intricate principles of karma and causality are implicitly or explicitly addressed.
• Anekantavada: The Jain doctrine of manifold truths and non-absolutism is woven throughout the teachings.

4. The Author, Umaswati:

• The preface expresses deep respect for Umaswati, highlighting his vast knowledge and dedication to Jainism.
• Despite his profound scholarship and prolific writing (attributed to composing over 500 works, though few are extant), Umaswati lived a life of humility, without seeking fame or revealing personal details. Information about his birth, initiation, and death dates remains uncertain and subject to speculation.
• The text cites Umaswati's own commentary, the "Tattvartha Bhashya," as a crucial source for understanding the sutras.
• The preface reveals details about Umaswati's lineage and birthplace as mentioned in his Bhashya's epilogue (Prashasti). He was born in Nyagrodhika, had parents named Umaswati (mother) and Swati (father) from the Kausambini Gotra, and belonged to the Uchcha Nagar branch. He composed the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra in Kusumapura (present-day Pataliputra).
• The text notes the ongoing debate regarding Umaswati's affiliation, with Shvetambaras claiming him as an Acharya and Digambaras accepting him as a prominent scholar who composed Tattvartha with a Digambara perspective. However, the preface suggests the Digambara claim might lack concrete evidence.
• The author's commitment to the principle of "Vachakah Purvavidaḥ" (Speakers are knowers of the past) is mentioned, implying his connection to earlier traditions and his own profound knowledge.

5. The Commentaries and This Edition:

• The text acknowledges the numerous commentaries (Tikas) written on the Tattvarthasutra by various esteemed Acharyas from both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions, including Siddhasena Divakara, Haribhadrasuri, Yashobhadrasuri, Malayagiri, and Yashovijayji.
• It specifically mentions the "Tattvarthavivaran" commentary by Pujya Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji, noting that only the first chapter of this commentary was available before this publication.
• The current edition is based on the commentary "Tattvarthavivarana-mula-gudhartha-dipika" by Acharya Shrimad Vijaydarshansurishwarji Maharaj Saheb, a student of Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj Saheb. This commentary is said to be a comprehensive and insightful elucidation of Umaswati's "Tattvartha-vivarana."
• The preface expresses gratitude to those who financially supported the publication of this grand work.

6. The Purpose of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra:

• The sutra was not composed to merely display erudition or achieve worldly goals. Instead, it was created out of compassion for suffering beings, to guide them towards the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha) in a short time through understanding and practicing its teachings.
• The very first sutra itself outlines the path to liberation in a few concise words, demonstrating the sutra's direct focus on this ultimate aim.

In essence, the provided text introduces the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra as a monumental work of Jain philosophy, authored by the exceptionally wise and humble Acharya Umaswati. It highlights the sutra's comprehensive scope, covering all essential Jain doctrines, and underscores its paramount importance as a guide to achieving liberation, emphasizing Umaswati's genius in making such profound knowledge accessible. The preface also sets the stage for the detailed commentary that follows, aiming to clarify the subtle meanings and profound insights of Umaswati's seminal work.