Tattvasara - Book Summary | JainGPT

The text provided is an extensive publication of the Jain scripture "Tattvasara," authored by Acharya Devsena, with a Hindi translation and commentary by Pt. Hiralal Siddhantshastri. The publication also includes a Sanskrit commentary by Shri Kamalkirti, a Bhashavachanika in Hindi by Pt. Pannalalji Chaudhary, and a Hindi poetic translation by Pandit Dayantarayji.

Here's a comprehensive summary in English, drawing from the provided text, particularly the "Prakashiya Nivedan" (Publisher's Note), "Prastavana" (Introduction), and the text's content summary:

Book Title: Tattvasara Author: Acharya Devsena Compiler/Editor/Translator: Pt. Hiralal Siddhantshastri Publisher: Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra, Ahmedabad Sanskrit Commentator: Shri Kamalkirti Other Contributors: Pt. Pannalalji Chaudhary (Hindi Bhashavachanika), Pandit Dayantarayji (Hindi Poetic Translation)

Summary:

"Tattvasara" is a profound Jain text that delves into the essence of true spiritual knowledge and practice, primarily focusing on the path to Atma-gyan (self-knowledge) and Dhyana-marg (the path of meditation). Attributed to the ancient Jain Acharya Devsena, this work serves as a guide for spiritual seekers aiming for liberation (Moksha).

Core Philosophy and Content:

The central theme of "Tattvasara" revolves around the attainment of the soul's pure, inherent nature, free from all karmic impurities and worldly attachments. The text emphasizes that this ultimate state is achieved through deep meditation and a rigorous spiritual path, which is primarily meant for ascetics (Nirgranth Sadhus) who have renounced all worldly possessions and sensory indulgences.

Key aspects covered in the text and its commentaries include:

The Nature of Reality (Tattva): The book begins by outlining the fundamental tattvas (realities) from a Jain perspective. It categorizes these into Swagat Tattva (Self-Tattva) and Paragat Tattva (Other-Tattva).
- Swagat Tattva: This refers to the soul itself – its pure, inherent nature, characterized by infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power. It is described as formless, eternal, and beyond the modifications of the senses and intellect.
- Paragat Tattva: This encompasses the Five Supreme Beings (Pancha Parmeshthi) – Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu. Contemplation of these revered beings is considered a means to spiritual progress.
The Importance of Meditation (Dhyana): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the practice of meditation. It stresses that true meditation leads to the cessation of mental fluctuations and the eventual manifestation of the soul's pure consciousness.
- Qualities of a Meditator: The text details the qualities required for successful meditation, including equanimity in pleasure and pain, life and death, friendship and enmity, and wealth and poverty. A meditator must be free from attachment, aversion, and delusion.
- The Role of Renunciation: It highlights that the worldly householder, engrossed in family and possessions, finds it difficult to achieve deep meditation due to the constant distractions. Therefore, renunciation of worldly affairs and possessions is considered essential for this path.
- Types of Meditation: The text implicitly or explicitly discusses different stages and types of meditation, moving from grosser forms to subtle and eventually formless (Rupatit) meditation.
The Path to Liberation (Moksha): "Tattvasara" posits that the ultimate goal of liberation is attained by realizing the soul's pure, unchanging nature. This realization is facilitated by the destruction of karmas, which is achieved through strenuous spiritual practices, primarily meditation and righteous conduct.
- The Influence of Previous Acharyas: The text acknowledges the profound influence of earlier Jain Acharyas, particularly Acharya Kundakunda, and draws heavily from scriptures like "Samayachara," "Paramatma Prakash," and "Yog-vishayak Samadhitantra."
The Concept of Nirgrantha: The text emphasizes the ideal state of a "Nirgrantha" – a Jain monk who has renounced all external and internal attachments. This includes renouncing ten external possessions (land, houses, gold, etc.) and fourteen internal attachments (kashayas, passions, etc.). Only a Nirgrantha, by shedding all such attachments, can truly engage in profound meditation.
Stages of Spiritual Progress (Guna-sthanas): While the primary focus is on the highest stages of spiritual practice, the text (and its commentaries) briefly touches upon the stages of spiritual development as understood in Jainism, explaining how the mind and kashayas (passions) gradually subside through these stages.
The Path for Lay Disciples (Shravakas): While the ideal path is for ascetics, the introduction and commentaries also offer guidance for lay disciples (Shravakas) on how they can cultivate spiritual merit and progress towards higher stages through vows, ethical conduct, and devotion. This includes practicing daily rituals like Samayika and contemplation.
The Nature of the Soul: The text describes the soul in its pure state as being free from all karmic bondage, subtle, formless, eternal, and possessing infinite knowledge and perception. It elucidates the distinction between the soul's true nature and its karmically conditioned state.
The Influence of Previous Texts: The compilation and commentaries highlight the rich lineage of Jain literature, showing how "Tattvasara" synthesizes teachings from earlier works. The publication itself is a testament to the effort to preserve and disseminate this ancient wisdom.

Specific Sections and Commentary:

The provided text includes:

Mangalacharana (Invocation): Prayers to the omniscient Tirthankaras and the soul's pure nature.
Prakashiya Nivedan (Publisher's Note): Introduces the Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra and its mission, inspired by Shrimad Rajchandra.
Prastavana (Introduction): Discusses the importance of meditation, the challenges faced by householders, and the path outlined by Acharya Devsena, highlighting the distinction between subtle and gross meditations. It also elaborates on the concept of "Bhadradhyana" and the transient nature of higher spiritual states for monks.
Detailed Summaries of Each Chapter/Section: The "Vishay-suchi" (Table of Contents) and the extensive commentary by Pt. Hiralal Siddhantshastri and others provide a verse-by-verse explanation, detailing concepts like the fourteen Gunasthanas, different types of meditation (Pindastha, Padmastha, Rupastha, Rupatita), the nature of karma, and the characteristics of liberated souls (Siddhas). The commentary also includes explanations of the Sanskrit commentator Kamalkirti and the Hindi Bhashavachanika by Pt. Pannalalji Chaudhary.
The Sanskrit Commentary (Kamalkirti): This commentary offers a detailed, verse-by-verse explanation of Acharya Devsena's original Prakrit verses, enriching the understanding of the text's philosophical and practical aspects.
The Gujarati Translation: The publication includes a Gujarati translation, indicating the widespread reach and importance of this scripture.

In essence, "Tattvasara" is a seminal work in Jain literature that provides a comprehensive and insightful guide to achieving spiritual liberation through self-realization and profound meditation, emphasizing the necessity of complete detachment from all worldly and internal impurities.