Tattvarthasutra Hindi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Tattvarthasutra with Vivechan (commentary) by Pt. Sukhlal Sanghavi, published by Parshwanath Vidyashram Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi. The provided text includes the title pages, acknowledgments, publisher's notes, author's preface, table of contents, and several introductory chapters, focusing on the introduction to Tattvarthasutra, its commentators, and the author, Vachak Umaswati.

Here's a breakdown of the key information presented:

1. Book Details:

Title: Tattvarthasutra with Vivechan (तत्त्वार्थ सूत्र विवेचन सहित)
Original Author: Vachak Umaswati (वाचक उमास्वाति)
Commentator (Vivechak): Pt. Sukhlal Sanghavi (प० सुखलाल संघवी)
Editors: Dr. Mohanlal Mehta, Shri Jamnalal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyashram Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi (पार्श्वनाथ विद्याश्रम शोध संस्थान, वाराणसी)
Edition: Third Revised and Enlarged Edition, 1976.
Priced: Ten Rupees.

2. Publisher's Note (Prakashkiya):

Tattvarthasutra by Vachak Umaswati is a timeless and unique work in Jain philosophy.
It concisely covers crucial topics like tattvas (principles), knowledge, conduct, karma, geography, and astronomy.
It's considered the first authoritative Sanskrit work in Jain philosophy, known for its simple language and flowing style.
Pt. Sukhlal Sanghavi's commentary is highly regarded among many.
This Hindi commentary is considered superior among those written in modern Indian languages. It summarizes all ancient Sanskrit commentaries.
The introduction (Prastavana) by Pt. Sukhlalji is historically and comparatively significant.
This Hindi edition is the third. The current edition includes an essay by Japanese scholar Suzuko Ohira on textual issues of Tattvarthasutra.
The publication is in memory of the late Lala Jagannath Jain of Amritsar, supported by the 'Jeevan-Jagan Charitable Trust' and 'Gyanodaya Trust, Ahmedabad'.

3. Author's Preface (Prakthan):

The preface details the evolution of the commentary, starting with a Gujarati edition in 1930, followed by a Hindi edition in 1939.
The author, Pt. Sukhlal Sanghavi, discusses his initial grand plan for the commentary and how it evolved into a more accessible "middle path."
He emphasizes the need to cater to both traditional and modern learners.
The preface highlights the author's methodology:
- Using a neutral approach, not adhering strictly to one sect's interpretation.
- Presenting concepts in a way that's understandable to college students while respecting traditional terminology.
- Using dialogue where appropriate.
- Maintaining a consistent sutra text, noting variations in commentary.
- Interpreting multiple sutras together when their meaning is connected.
- Comparing Jain concepts with those from Vedic and Buddhist philosophies.
The author also revisits the debate about Umaswati's tradition, leaning towards the Shvetambara tradition after careful consideration.
He mentions the extensive Jain literature published over 21 years before the second Hindi edition and discusses various commentaries and their authors.
A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to debating the identity of Umaswati, his time period, and his tradition, referencing historical texts and inscriptions to refute claims linking him to Kundakunda (Digambara) or Shymasacharya's guru (Shvetambara). He uses the Sanskrit eulogy (Prashasti) written by Umaswati himself to establish his identity, lineage, and birthplace.
He asserts that Umaswati belonged to the Shvetambara tradition, citing arguments against Digambara and Shvetambara interpretations.
The preface also discusses the influence of other philosophical traditions (like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism) on Umaswati's work and the unique characteristics of Jain epistemology (Naya).
He elaborates on the comparative study of Tattvarthasutra with various Vedic and Buddhist texts, highlighting similarities and differences in their approaches to knowledge, cosmology, and ethics.

4. Key Content Overview from Table of Contents and Chapter Sections: The book is structured into ten chapters, covering the core tenets of Jainism as expounded in the Tattvarthasutra:

Chapter 1: Umaswati, the Sutra-creator: Discusses Umaswati's time, qualifications, tradition (arguing for Shvetambara), and lineage.
Chapter 2: Commentators of Tattvartha: Introduces various commentators from both Shvetambara (Umaswati, Siddhasen, Haribhadra, Yashobhadra, Malaygiri, Vachak Yashovijay, Gani Yashovijay) and Digambara (Gandhahasti, Pujyapad, Bhatta Akalanka, Vidyananda, Shrutsagar) traditions.
Chapter 3: Tattvarthasutra: Analyzes the guiding principles behind the composition, the style, and the subject matter coverage (knowledge, knowables, conduct).
Chapter 4: Commentaries on Tattvartha: Discusses the commentaries, including the Bhāṣya (attributed to Umaswati himself), Sarvārthasiddhi (Pujyapad), and Vārtikas (Akalanka, Vidyananda).
Chapter 5: Tattvas (Principles): Details the six eternal substances (Jiva, Ajiva, Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala) and their characteristics, with extensive discussion on Pudgala (matter).
Chapter 6: Āsrava (Influx of Karma): Explains the causes of karma influx, including activities of body, speech, and mind (yoga), and the specific causes for different types of karma.
Chapter 7: Vratas (Vows) and Sheelas (Sub-vows): Details the five great vows, three supplementary vows, and four disciplinary vows for monks, and their respective transgressions (aticharas) for householders.
Chapter 8: Bandha (Bondage of Karma): Explains the causes of karma bondage (karma-hetu), the types of bondage (prakṛti, sthiti, anubhava, pradesha), and lists the principal and secondary karma categories.
Chapter 9: Samvara (Stoppage of Karma) and Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): Elaborates on practices like Gupti (restraint), Samiti (carefulness), Dharma, Anupreksha (meditation on principles), Parishaha (endurance of hardships), and Charitra (conduct).
Chapter 10: Moksha (Liberation): Discusses the nature of liberation, the path to it, and the characteristics of liberated souls (Siddhas).

5. Analysis of Umaswati's Time and Tradition: A significant part of the introductory chapters is dedicated to establishing Umaswati's historical context. The author critically examines various traditions and evidence, concluding that Umaswati was likely of Shvetambara affiliation, based on his lineage details mentioned in the Prashasti and the nature of his commentary. He also delves into the historical development of Shvetambara and Digambara traditions and their scriptural differences.

6. Comparative Philosophy: Pt. Sukhlal Sanghavi consistently draws comparisons between Jain principles and those found in other Indian philosophical systems like Vedanta, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Buddhism. This comparative analysis, a hallmark of his commentary, aims to highlight the uniqueness and comprehensiveness of the Jain perspective.

7. Textual Analysis of Sutras and Commentaries: The preface and the section "Tattvarthasutra ka Mool Path" (The Original Text of Tattvarthasutra) by Suzuko Ohira, delve into textual variations between Shvetambara and Digambara recensions of the sutras, examining linguistic changes, omissions, and differences in interpretation. This section provides a scholarly analysis of the sutras themselves.

In essence, this publication represents a scholarly Hindi rendition and in-depth commentary on the Tattvarthasutra, providing a foundational understanding of Jain philosophy, cosmology, ethics, and metaphysics, with a particular emphasis on the critical historical and comparative analysis of its author and its place within the broader Indian philosophical landscape.