Tattvarthahigam Sutram Sarahasyam

This document is an introduction to and partial translation of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra (also known as Tattvartha Sutra), a foundational text in Jainism. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Title: Tattvarthadhigama Sutram Sarahasyam (Tattvarthadhigama Sutra with its Secret Meaning) Publisher: Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsana Author: Acharya Umaswati Vachak

Overall Purpose and Content:

The text is presented by the Jain Shreyaskar Mandal with the aim of making the profound teachings of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra accessible to Jain brothers and sisters for reading and learning. It emphasizes that gaining knowledge of "Tattvartha" (the essence of reality) is a straightforward path to liberation (moksha). The book aims to provide the original Sanskrit sutras, their meaning, and a concise summary of the commentary (bhashya) in simple Gujarati.

Key Sections and Information:

• Opening Pages (1-3):

  • The book begins with a dedication and acknowledgment of its purpose.
  • A proverb "Paupakaraaya sataam vibhootayah" (The wealth of the virtuous is for the benefit of others) is prominently displayed.
  • It mentions that this particular edition was donated by Mr. Sevantilal Nagindas of Patan in memory of Bai Diwali Bai.
  • An important instruction for readers is given: do not leave the book lying around carelessly, do not touch it with impure hands, and do not read it with an uncovered face (implying respect and focus).
  • A Sanskrit verse from the Adhyatmasara is included, praising the philosophy of Syadvada (the Jain doctrine of manifold aspects) as a wish-fulfilling tree bearing the fruits of knowledge.

• Introduction (Upadghat) (Pages 4-15):

  • Purpose of Jain Education International: The introduction highlights the organization's effort to spread true knowledge, which brings peace to souls weary from the cycle of birth and death. They aim to publish and distribute books for free or at a low cost to facilitate this.
  • The Tattvarthadhigama Sutra: This volume is presented as the 31st offering in their series. It's described as an excellent philosophical treatise that provides the "essence of reality" along with its "secret meaning."
  • Accessibility: The sutras are praised for condensing profound Siddhantic (Jain philosophical) truths into simple Sanskrit verses. The book offers the original sutras, their meanings, and a summary of the commentary in simple Gujarati for the benefit of seekers of liberation (mumukshu bhavyaatma).
  • Structure of the Sutra: The text details the 10 chapters of the Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, mentioning the introductory 31 Karikas (verses) by the author, which are deemed worthy of deep contemplation.
    • Chapter 1: Covers Samyaktva (right faith), the nature of Nayas (standpoints) and Nikshepas (classification), Jñana (knowledge), and Shutra (scripture).
    • Chapter 2: Discusses the characteristics of the Soul (Jiva), its 53 states (bhavas), classifications, senses, destinations, bodies, causes of existence, lifespan, and changes in lifespan.
    • Chapter 3: Describes the hellish realms (Naraka), the suffering of hell-dwellers, their lifespan, the human realm, and the types and lifespans of animals (Tiryanchan).
    • Chapter 4: Deals with heavenly realms (Deva loka), their increase, and minimum/maximum lifespans.
    • Chapter 5: Explains non-living substances (Ajiva) like Dharma, Adharma, Akash, and Pudgala, and the characteristics of substance (Dravya).
    • Chapter 6: Focuses on Asrava (influx of karmas).
    • Chapter 7: Discusses Sarva Virati (complete abstinence) and Desha Virati (partial abstinence).
    • Chapter 8: Explains Bandha (bondage) caused by false belief (mithyatva) and other factors.
    • Chapter 9: Covers Samvara (prevention of karma influx) and Nirjara (shedding of karma).
    • Chapter 10: Describes Moksha (liberation).
  • Concluding Sections: The book concludes with a summary of the path to liberation and an explanation of the state of Siddhas (liberated souls).
  • Commentaries and Authors: It mentions the existence of commentaries by Shri Siddhasena Gani and Shrimad Haribhadra Suri, noting that they are based on the Bhashya. It also suggests the possibility of a commentary by Malayagiri Maharaj.
  • Digambara Tradition: The text acknowledges the prevalence of the Sutra in the Digambara tradition, who attribute it to Ullas Swami (Umaswati) of their lineage, and notes their own extensive commentaries.
  • Umaswati's Works: It's mentioned that Umaswati authored around 500 works, with only Tattvarthadhigama Sutra, Prashmarati Prakarana, and Jambudvipa Samasa being currently available. The text also cites evidence from other works that support the claim of Umaswati's extensive authorship.
  • Dating of Umaswati: The introduction discusses the uncertainty surrounding Umaswati's exact time period, referencing various historical accounts and genealogical lineages of Jain scholars to suggest a probable timeframe, likely not before the 5th or 6th century CE.
  • Praise for Contributors: Gratitude is expressed to those who assisted in the preparation and printing of the book.

• Sanskrit Text and Gujarati Translation (Pages 34 onwards):

  • Sambandha Karika (Introductory Verses): The Gujarati translation of the introductory verses (Karikas) by Acharya Umaswati is provided, explaining the importance of right knowledge, conduct, and faith for liberation, the nature of karma, and the purpose of human life in striving for moksha.
  • Chapter 1 (Prathamo'dhyayah): This chapter focuses on the path to liberation, which consists of Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Jñana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
    • It clarifies that all three are necessary for moksha; the absence of any one hinders liberation.
    • Samyak Darshan is defined as faith in the true principles (Tattvas), obtained either spontaneously (nisarga) or through instruction (adhigama).
    • The seven Tattvas (Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, and Moksha) are listed.
    • The concept of Nikshepa (classification) is introduced, explaining how these Tattvas are understood through Name, Establishment, Substance, and Mode.
    • The acquisition of knowledge about Tattvas is through Pramana (means of valid knowledge) and Naya (standpoints).
    • The chapter begins the detailed explanation of Pramanas and Nayas, and the means of understanding Tattvas through various categories like index, ownership, cause, abode, time, etc.
    • It then delves into the nature of Jñana (knowledge), classifying it into five types: Mati (sense-based), Shruta (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience). Mati and Shruta are categorized as indirect (paroksha), while the other three are direct (pratyaksha).
    • Mati Jñana is further explained with its subdivisions and the process of grasping objects.
    • Shruta Jñana is described as knowledge derived from Mati Jñana, with distinctions between Angabahya (external to scripture) and Angapravishta (internal to scripture) divisions.
    • The discussion on Avadhi Jñana highlights its two types: Bhavapratyaya (due to past life's karma) and Paka-pratyaya (due to current life's efforts), along with its limitations and scope.
    • Manahparyaya Jñana is explained as understanding the thoughts of others, with its two forms: Rujumati and Vipulamati, and their respective qualities and limitations.
    • The chapter also touches upon the characteristics of the soul (Jiva) and its various states (bhavas).

Overall Tone and Significance:

The text reflects a deep reverence for Jain scriptures and a commitment to disseminating spiritual knowledge. The Gujarati translation aims for clarity and simplicity, making the complex philosophical concepts of Jainism accessible to a wider audience. The introduction also serves as a historical and contextual piece, shedding light on the Jain tradition of scholarship and textual transmission.