Tattvavatar

This document is the digital representation of the Jain text "Tattvavatar" by Muni Devchandra Ji, edited by Pandit Bechardas Jivraj, and published by Sheth Meghji Thobhan. The work is dedicated to Muni Shrimad Ratnachandraswamiji, a prominent logician in the Shvetambara Sthanakavasi tradition.

Key Aspects of "Tattvavatar":

• Author and Context: Muni Devchandra Ji, the author, was a scholar who studied at the Sanskrit Pathshala in Mandvi, Kutch, founded by Sheth Meghjibhai Bhan J.P. This pathshala, established in 1902, taught Sanskrit, grammar, poetry, philosophy, rhetoric, and logic. The book is presented as a tribute to Pandit Rajaram Dixitji, the former principal of this pathshala.

• Purpose and Structure: The book aims to explain the fundamental principles (Tattvas) of Jainism. It is divided into five sections (Kandas):

  1. Pramana Kand (On Means of Knowledge): Discusses the nature of knowledge and its validity. It elaborates on the concept of pramana (means of valid knowledge), differentiating between sapreksha (dependent) and nirapeksha (independent) knowledge, and detailing the sensory organs (indriyas) and the mind (manas).
  2. Naya Kand (On Perspectives/Approaches): Explains the concept of naya, which are different viewpoints or approaches to understanding reality. It categorizes nayas into dravyarhtik (substance-oriented) and paryayarhtik (mode-oriented), further detailing seven specific nayas (Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Samabhirudha, and Evambhuta). This section emphasizes that different nayas are complementary and not contradictory when understood in their proper context.
  3. Jiva Kand (On the Soul): Focuses on the nature of the soul (jiva). It describes the soul as conscious (chetan), the perceiver (pramata), and discusses its various embodiments (from one-sensed beings to five-sensed beings), the subtle and gross nature of the soul's carriage (bodies), and the concept of the soul's bondage and liberation. It also delves into the different types of bodies in Jainism (Audarik, Vaikriya, Aharaka, Taijasa, and Karmana).
  4. Prakirnaka Kand (On Miscellaneous Topics): This section covers various important Jain philosophical concepts, including:
     • Upayoga (Consciousness): Differentiating between knowledge (jnana) and perception (darshana).
     • Five types of Knowledge: Mati (sense-based), Shruta (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience).
     • Pramanas: Reinforcing the concept of valid means of knowledge, distinguishing between paroksha (indirect) and pratyaksha (direct).
     • Asrava (Influx of Karmas): Discussing the causes of karmic influx, including bodily, verbal, and mental activities.
     • Samvara (Cessation of Karmas): Explaining practices like restraining senses, adhering to rules, developing virtues, undergoing austerities, and developing equanimity to prevent karmic influx.
     • Nirjara (Shedding of Karmas): Describing the process of shedding accumulated karmas through experiencing their fruition or through intense spiritual practices.
     • Moksha (Liberation): Defining liberation as the complete annihilation of all karmas, leading to the soul's attainment of its pure, blissful, and omniscient nature.
     • Ajiva (Non-soul): Explaining the categories of non-living substances: Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), Kala (time), and Pudgala (matter).
  5. Samanvaya Kand (On Reconciliation): This is a crucial section where the author attempts to reconcile the seemingly contradictory doctrines of various Indian philosophical schools (like Sankhya, Buddhism, Nyaya, Vedanta, etc.) with Jain principles. It argues that these differing philosophies often represent different nayas or perspectives on reality, and that a holistic understanding can reveal their underlying harmony, especially in relation to the Jain path of liberation. The author emphasizes that all these paths, when pursued with sincerity and proper understanding, can lead to spiritual progress.

• Philosophical Depth: "Tattvavatar" is a work of considerable philosophical depth. It systematically explains core Jain doctrines using logical reasoning and scriptural references. The author's meticulous approach in defining terms and clarifying distinctions makes the text valuable for understanding Jain philosophy.

• Literary Style: The text is written in Sanskrit and Gujarati, interspersed with Prakrit quotations and explanations. It follows a sutra-style presentation with detailed commentary.

In essence, "Tattvavatar" is a comprehensive treatise on Jain philosophy, authored by a respected monk and scholar, aiming to provide a clear and systematic understanding of the fundamental truths of Jainism, while also engaging with and reconciling other philosophical perspectives.