Tattvarthshlokavartikalankar Part 6 - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary details the contents of Tattvarthshlokavartikalankar Part 6, authored by Vidyanandacharya and Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, published by Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri. The provided text focuses on Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the Tattvarthadhigama Mosha Shastra, offering a detailed philosophical and logical explanation of Jain principles.

Editorial Statement:

The editorial statement highlights the significant delay in publishing this sixth volume, attributing it to logistical challenges and unforeseen circumstances, including the passing of Pandit Ajit-kumarji and the need to shift printing locations. Despite these hurdles, the publication aims to fulfill a crucial need in the world of Jain logic and philosophy. The text emphasizes that the first volume alone covers the explanation of the first sutra, with the first four volumes concluding only the first chapter of the Tattvarthasutra. This current volume delves into chapters five, six, and seven. A commitment is made to complete the entire work in one more volume. The editorial also acknowledges the financial undertaking and praises the effort involved in bringing such a monumental text to light, noting its primary audience as scholars and researchers rather than the general public due to its complex philosophical nature. Support from the Jain community is earnestly requested to ensure the timely completion of this important project.

Book Introduction:

The work is an extensive commentary in the Naiyayika style on Tattvarthasutra, meticulously elaborating on all the principles discussed. The author, Maharishi Vidyanand, provides an unequivocal exposition, leaving no room for doubt on any subject.

Summary of Chapters Covered in Volume 6:

Chapter 5 (Panchamo Adhyayah): This chapter focuses on the nature of Ajeeva (non-living substances).
- Key Concepts: It defines the categories of Ajeeva as Dharma, Adharma, Akash, and Pudgala, all of which are considered "kaya" (bodies) due to their substantiality despite lacking consciousness. It differentiates them from Kala (time) which, while also Ajeeva, is not considered a "kaya" due to its singular, non-substantial nature. The chapter elaborates on the characteristic qualities of each, such as Pudgala possessing touch, taste, smell, and color, and the subtle differences in their spatial pervasiveness. It discusses the concept of " Pradesh" (spatial points) and how it applies to different substances: Dharma, Adharma, and Jiva (soul) are described as having innumerable regions (asamkhyeya), Akash as infinite (ananta), and Pudgala as countable, innumerable, or infinite (sankhye ya, asamkhyeya, ananta), depending on the aggregate. The nature of "Sat" (that which exists) is defined as possessing origination, decay, and permanence, and the interdependent existence of qualities and modes (paryaya). The text also critiques various philosophical schools, particularly Buddhism, on their understanding of these principles.
Chapter 6 (Shashtho Adhyayah): This chapter deals with Asrava (influx) and Bandha (bondage), particularly in relation to karma.
- Key Concepts: It identifies Yoga (activity of body, speech, and mind) as the cause of Asrava. It distinguishes between auspicious (punya) and inauspicious (paap) Asrava based on the presence or absence of passions (kashayas). The chapter meticulously details the different types of karma that bind the soul based on the nature of the influx, including the causes and effects of karmic bondage related to senses, passions, vows, and actions. It explains the specific causes for the influx of different types of karma that determine one's rebirth state (e.g., Naraka, Tiryag-yoni, Manushya, Deva) and the qualities that lead to the attainment of Tirthankaraship. The nature of obstructions (antaray) and their removal is also discussed.
Chapter 7 (Saptamo Adhyayah): This chapter focuses on Vratas (vows) and their implications, along with related disciplines.
- Key Concepts: It defines Vratas as abstaining from violence, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and possession. It distinguishes between partial (desha) and complete (sarva) vows, further detailing the five cardinal vows and the five ancillary vows (anu-vrata and mahavrata). The importance of Bhavanas (meditative practices) for strengthening vows is highlighted, along with the fivefold controls (gupti) and the fivefold disciplines (samiti). The chapter discusses various forms of austerity (tapas) and ethical conduct necessary for spiritual progress. It also details the transgressions (atachara) of vows and the specific causes for the binding of different karmas that influence one's destiny, including the eighteen transgressions of the five great vows. The text concludes with the principles of charity (daana) and its various classifications based on the donor, recipient, method, and substance.

Contribution of the Text:

The "Shlokavartikalankar" is a comprehensive Naiyayika-style commentary on the Tattvarthasutra.
Maharishi Vidyananda provides an in-depth analysis of all principles, ensuring clarity and resolving doubts.
The text emphasizes logical reasoning and philosophical debate, often engaging with and refuting opposing viewpoints.
The Hindi commentary is intended to make the complex philosophical concepts accessible.
The publication is presented as a significant contribution to Jain philosophy and logic, especially for scholars and researchers.

Key Themes:

Ajeeva Tattva: Detailed exploration of non-living substances and their characteristics.
Karma Siddhanta: Comprehensive explanation of the causes and effects of karma, leading to bondage and rebirth.
Vratas and Ethics: Emphasis on ethical conduct, vows, and their role in spiritual purification.
Logical Reasoning (Naiyayika Style): The text employs rigorous logical arguments and refutations, characteristic of the Naiyayika school of Indian philosophy.
Syllogistic Structure: The work systematically presents arguments and counter-arguments, often in the form of classical syllogisms.

In essence, Volume 6 of Tattvarthshlokavartikalankar is a profound exposition of fundamental Jain principles, meticulously analyzed through the lens of Indian logic, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of Ajeeva, karma, and ethical conduct for dedicated scholars.