Tattvanyaya Vibhakar - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tattvanyaya Vibhakar" by Acharya Labdhisuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tattvanyaya Vibhakar (तत्त्वन्यायविभाकर) Author: Acharya Shri Vijay Labdhisurishwar (आचार्य श्रीविजयलब्धिसूरीश्वर) Publisher: Chandulal Jamnadas (Chandulal Jamnadas), under the Labdhisurishwar Jain Granthamala series. Purpose: The book aims to elucidate the fundamental principles and doctrines of Jainism (Tattvas) and the principles of logic and reasoning (Nyaya) in a clear and accessible manner, particularly for beginners.

Overall Theme and Structure:

The "Tattvanyaya Vibhakar" is a significant Jain text that systematically explains the core tenets of Jain philosophy. It is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Jain path to liberation, divided into the three jewels (Ratnatraya): Right Faith (Samyak Shraddha), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gnan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charan). The book elaborates on the classifications and nuances of these principles, making them understandable for those new to Jainism.

Key Concepts and Sections Explained:

The text systematically breaks down various Jain philosophical categories, including:

Introduction (Prastavana): The introduction highlights the importance of the Anekantavada (Doctrine of Manifoldness) as the central pillar of Jain philosophy, contrasting it with one-sided or absolute views found in other philosophies. It emphasizes that Anekantavada is the only path to true understanding and liberation, achieved through the Three Jewels: Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct. The author, Acharya Labdhisuri, explains that this book is designed to be a clear and easy-to-understand exposition of these jewels, fulfilling the need for a foundational text.
Tattvas (Principles/Realities): The book begins by outlining the nine fundamental tattvas of Jainism:
- Jiva (Soul): The sentient soul, characterized by consciousness. It is further classified based on its state (mundane or liberated), sentience (one-sensed to five-sensed), gender, realm of existence (hellish, animal, human, divine), and senses.
- Ajiva (Non-soul): The non-sentient matter. This includes:
  - Dharma (Principle of Motion): Enables motion for soul and matter.
  - Adharma (Principle of Rest): Enables rest for soul and matter.
  - Akasha (Space): Provides room for all substances.
  - Pudgala (Matter): The gross and subtle matter, characterized by touch, taste, smell, and color.
  - Kala (Time): The causal principle for change.
- Punhya (Merit): Actions leading to happiness and favorable circumstances. It is detailed with its 42 types.
- Papa (Demerit/Sin): Actions leading to suffering and unfavorable circumstances. It is detailed with its 82 types.
- Ashrava (Influx): The inflow of karmas into the soul due to activities of senses, passions, vows, and actions. It is described as having 42 types.
- Samvara (Stoppage): The cessation of karma influx through self-control, vows, and virtues. It is described as having 57 types.
- Nirjara (Shedding of Karmas): The process of shedding accumulated karmas through austerities (tapas). It is described as having 12 types (six external and six internal).
- Bandha (Bondage): The cause of the soul being bound by karmas, detailed by its nature, duration, intensity, and quantity (4 types).
- Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal of freeing the soul from all karmas, described in nine ways based on factors like soul's duration, extent, and qualities.
Jiva and Ajiva Nirupan (Description of Soul and Non-soul): This section elaborates on the nature of souls and the five categories of non-soul substances (Panchastikaya). Pudgala is described in detail, including its various forms and the atom (paramanu).
Punhya and Papa Nirupan (Description of Merit and Demerit): This extensive section details the various types and classifications of merit (punya) and demerit (papa) karma, including specific types related to body, senses, qualities, lifespan, and actions. It lists the 42 types of punya and 82 types of papa.
Ashrava Nirupan (Description of Karma Influx): This section details the causes of karma influx (Ashrava), classifying them into inflows through the five senses, four passions (kashayas), five non-vows (avratas), and three types of activities (yoga - mind, speech, body). It lists 25 types of action-based inflows (kriya).
Samvara Nirupan (Description of Stoppage of Karma): This section explains the methods of preventing the influx of new karmas, primarily through Samiti (carefulness) and Gupti (restraint). It elaborates on the five types of Samiti (Irya, Bhasha, Eshana, Adana-Nikshepana, Utsarga) and the three types of Gupti (Kaya, Vani, Mano). It also details the 22 types of Parishaha (endurance of hardships) that aid in Samvara and the twelve types of Bhavana (contemplations). Finally, it describes the five types of Charitra (conduct) that lead to Moksha.
Gunasthana Nirupan (Description of Stages of Spiritual Progress): This significant part of the book outlines the 14 spiritual stages (Gunasthana) that a soul traverses on its path to liberation. Each stage is described in terms of its characteristics, the types of karmas that are suppressed or destroyed, and the modifications of passions and sensory activities.
Nirjara Nirupan (Description of Shedding of Karmas): This section details how accumulated karmas are shed. It explains the two types of shedding: Sakama Nirjara (intentional, with desire for liberation) and Akama Nirjara (unintentional, without explicit desire for liberation). It elaborates on the importance and types of Tapas (austerities) – both external (six types) and internal (six types) – as the primary means of Nirjara.
Bandha Nirupan (Description of Karma Bondage): This section explains the mechanism of karma bondage, detailing the four aspects of karma: Prakriti (nature of karma), Sthiti (duration), Rasa (intensity), and Pradesha (quantity). It also describes eight types of causal activities (Karana) that influence karma, such as Bandha, Sankrama, Udvartana, etc.
Moksha Nirupan (Description of Liberation): This section defines Moksha as the soul's state of being free from all karmic bondage and residing in its pure, inherent form. It discusses the concept of Siddha (liberated souls) and various ways of classifying them (e.g., by realm, knowledge, conduct, lineage).
Pramana Nirupan (Description of Means of Valid Knowledge): This part elaborates on the Jain epistemology, defining Pramanas (means of valid knowledge) as Mati Gnan (sense-based knowledge) and Shruta Gnan (scriptural knowledge), which are considered Paroksha (indirect). It then delves into Pratyaksha (direct perception), encompassing Avadhi Gnan (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya Gnan (telepathy), and Keval Gnan (omniscience), describing their nature and scope.
Aropa Nirupan (Description of Misconceptions/False Apprehensions): This section discusses various types of incorrect knowledge or misapprehensions, such as Viparyaya (illusion), Samshaya (doubt), and Anadhyavasaya (indecision), and how they arise.
Naya Nirupan (Description of Standpoints/Approaches to Knowledge): This crucial section explains the seven Nayas (standpoints or relative truths) in Jain philosophy, which are essential for understanding Anekantavada. These include Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Riju-sutra, Shabda, Samabhiruḍha, and Evambhuta. It explains how each Naya focuses on a specific aspect of reality, leading to seemingly contradictory but ultimately complementary descriptions.
Vada Nirupan (Description of Debate/Dialectic): This section discusses the principles of argumentation and debate in Jain philosophy, outlining the roles of the Vadin (speaker presenting a thesis), Prativadin (one who refutes), Sabhya (audience/judges), and Sabha-pati (presiding figure). It emphasizes that valid debate aims at discovering truth, not just winning.
Yati Dharma Nirupan (Description of the Duties of an Ascetic): This section elaborates on the conduct and practices of Jain ascetics, detailing the five great vows (Mahavratas), the ten virtues (Dharma), and the various forms of self-discipline and conduct.
Pratima Nirupan (Description of Layperson's Stages of Spiritual Practice): This section outlines the twelve stages of spiritual practice for lay followers (Pratimas), detailing the progressive stages of austerity, restraint, and renunciation.

Significance:

"Tattvanyaya Vibhakar" is highly valued for its systematic approach and clarity. Acharya Labdhisuri, through this work, aimed to make the complex philosophical and ethical teachings of Jainism accessible to a wider audience, especially those starting their spiritual journey. The book serves as a foundational text for understanding the Jain worldview and the path to liberation, embodying the essence of Jain wisdom in a methodical and insightful manner.