Tattvavichar

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Tattvavichar" (Concept of Truth/Reality) by Acharya Shri Buddhisagar Surishwarji. It was published by Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal. The book was composed in Gujarati prose for the benefit of both young and old, to understand the essence of Jain philosophy.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided text:

1. Introduction and Publisher's Note (Nivedan):

• The book is presented as the 92nd volume in the "Shrimad Buddhisagar Suri Granthamala."
• It was created in 1958 (Samvat) for the welfare of Vakil Mohanlal Himchand and others from Padra.
• The core subject is "Tattvavichar" (thoughts on reality/principles), which is crucial for understanding Jainism.
• The language is Gujarati, in prose, to make the concepts accessible.
• It's highlighted that without understanding "Tattvavichar," the true nature of Jain dharma cannot be grasped.
• The publisher notes the dedication of Acharya Buddhisagar Surishwarji to writing books and their widespread acclaim.
• The book is offered at a low price to ensure accessibility.
• Gratitude is expressed to Sanghvi Keshavlal Nagjibhai for assisting in reviewing and correcting the previous edition.
• The passing of Dahyabhai Dalpatram, the owner of Prajhitarth Press, is mourned.

2. Dedication (Arpan Patrika):

• The book is dedicated to Muni Raj Shantmurti Shri Vijayji Maharaj.
• The author expresses admiration for Vijayji Maharaj's virtuous monastic life, his service to humanity, his character, and his dedication to the progress of Jainism.
• The author notes Vijayji Maharaj's detachment, adherence to vows, wisdom in giving sermons, and devotion to the Lord.
• He is praised for staying away from criticism of others, religious disputes, and for propagating righteous conduct.
• The author acknowledges differences in thought but appreciates Vijayji Maharaj's open-mindedness and tolerance.

3. Preface (Prastavana):

• The first edition was published in Samvat 1960 by Shri Jain Gyan Prasarak Mandal, Mumbai.
• Key individuals involved in the publication and support of Jain literature are mentioned.
• The current edition is a second printing, prompted by the demand for the first edition.
• The book was originally composed in Samvat 1958 in Padra, at the request of the Padra Sangha, during the Chaturmas of Acharya Shri Sukhsagarji Maharaj.
• The book begins with an essay on the conduct of a Shravak (lay follower) on page 11, detailing the responsibilities of a Shravak.
• From page 13 onwards, the "Tattvavichar Granth" begins, detailing the 563 categories of existence.
• It describes the nature of gods, hell-beings, humans, and animals.
• It explains the four types of migrations (Gati) and the six types of Lēśyā (mental dispositions).
• It details the nature of beings that consume food and those that do not.
• The book systematically covers the nature of devas (gods), narakas (hell-beings), humans, and animals, with specific page ranges mentioned for each.
• It then delves into the nature of Ajeeva (non-living) Tattva, starting with Kaal (Time).
• The principles of Punya (merit), Paap (demerit), Aasrav (influx of karmas), Samvar (cessation of karmas), Nirjara (shedding of karmas), Bandh (bondage of karmas), and Moksha (liberation) are explained.
• The book concludes with an "Antya Mangal" (final auspicious invocation).
• The reason for the second edition is stated as the exhaustion of the first edition's copies and the persistent requests from Shravakas.
• The index for the nine Tattvas is included in this edition.
• The significant effort of Sanghvi Keshavlal Nagji of Sanand in improving the text for this edition is acknowledged.
• A plea is made to learned scholars to point out any errors contrary to Jinagamas, and an apology is offered for any such omissions.
• The book is recommended for children.

4. Index (Anukramanika):

• A detailed table of contents is provided, listing the topics and their corresponding page numbers. This includes:
  • Nivedan (Publisher's Note)
  • Arpan Patrika (Dedication)
  • Prastavana (Preface)
  • Anukramanika (Index)
  • Ashuddhi Shuddhi Patrak (Errata)
  • List of books published by Shri Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal.
  • Sankshipt Shravakachar (Concise Lay Follower's Conduct)
  • Detailed breakdown of the nine Tattvas (Jeeva, Ajeeva, Punya, Paap, Aasrav, Samvar, Nirjara, Bandh, Moksha).
  • Sections on various celestial beings (Bhuvanpati, Vyantar, Vaanavyantar), human and animal classifications.
  • Details on different types of Lēśyā, sustenance, hellish realms, human and animal characteristics.
  • The structure of the universe, types of heavens, and the concept of karma.
  • The classification of souls, types of bodies, and the concept of Tirthankar.

5. Errata (Ashuddhi Shuddhi Patrak):

• A list of corrections for errors found in the text is provided.

6. List of Books by Adhyatma Gyan Prasarak Mandal:

• This section lists numerous other books published by the Mandal, along with their prices and a brief description.

7. Sankshipt Shravakachar (Concise Lay Follower's Conduct):

• This section provides guidance on the daily duties and virtues of a Jain lay follower (Shravak).
• It emphasizes the importance of righteous conduct (Sadachar) for achieving liberation.
• It lists 21 virtues that a Shravak should cultivate.
• It outlines the daily routine, starting from waking up early and reciting the Navkar Mantra.
• It stresses the importance of mindfulness, ethical conduct, and spiritual practices like Upvaas (fasting) and Pāchchhkhāṇa (vows).
• It details the proper way to perform puja (worship) of Tirthankar deities.
• It provides guidance on business ethics, dietary restrictions, and avoiding harmful activities.
• It emphasizes the importance of respecting elders, gurus, and the teachings of the Jinas.
• It concludes with the importance of observing special vows and practices on festival days and the need to avoid non-Jain festivals and customs.
• The text ends with a concluding prayer for the propagation of the Jain faith.

Overall Content of Tattvavichar (as suggested by the index and preface): The book "Tattvavichar" is a foundational text in Jainism that systematically explains the core principles of the faith. It covers:

• The Nine Tattvas: The fundamental categories of existence, which are central to Jain philosophy for understanding the path to liberation.
• Soul (Jeeva) and Non-Soul (Ajeeva): The distinction between living and non-living substances.
• Karma Theory: The influx (Aasrav), stoppage (Samvar), shedding (Nirjara), and bondage (Bandh) of karmas, which determine one's rebirths and suffering.
• Cosmology: The structure of the universe, including different realms of existence such as heavens (Deva Loka), hells (Naraka), and the human realm.
• Life Forms: Classification of beings based on the number of senses, types of bodies, and their lifespans.
• Lēśyā: The six types of mental dispositions that influence one's actions and rebirths.
• Sustenance (Aahar): The different ways beings take in sustenance.
• Human and Animal Classification: Detailed descriptions of various types of humans and animals.
• Caste and Life Forms: The journey of souls through different life forms and heavens.
• Conduct of a Lay Follower (Shravak): Practical guidance on living a righteous Jain life.
• Virtues and Practices: The importance of compassion, non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy, and other virtues.
• Path to Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of Jainism, achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• The Nature of the Soul: Its inherent qualities and how they are obscured by karma.
• The Siddha State: The liberated soul in its pure and eternal form.

In essence, "Tattvavichar" serves as a comprehensive guide to the fundamental principles of Jainism, offering a philosophical and practical framework for spiritual understanding and progress.