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Tattv rtha S tra
Dr. Veersagar Jain
1.0 Introduction
Tattv rtha S tra is a very important text of Jaina religion. It has covered all the aspects of Jaina philosophy and is the source to other literary works as it has seeds of all the topics. Jainism is divided into many sects and sub-sects since ancient days, but all the sects accept Tattv rtha S tra faithfully. None have doubted its authenticity. Like Namok ra mantra, Tatty rtha S tra is accepted by all faithfully. There is no other text like Tattv rtha S tra, which is accepted by all. This is the first Jain religious text written in Sansk ta as earlier texts were all written in Pr kata language. Being written in Sansk ta, and in aphorisms form, it holds a unique place in the overall Indian tradition and hence even the other Indian philosophical schools study this text.
1.1 Name
There are two names: 1) Tattv rtha S tra and 2) Mok a stra. Even though its proper name is Tattvartha sutra, yet generally it is known as Mok a stra. It is known as Mok a stra because the work begins by the word mok a and also because it has detailed expositions of mok a and the path to attain mok a. This is also found as the style with other texts like Bhakt mara stotra ( abhadeva stotra) is so called because it begins with the word Bhakt mara; Dev gamastotra (ptamim ms ) is so called because it begins with the word Dev gama.
This text is popularly known as Tattv rtha S tra because it explains the tattvas (basic elements) in the aphoristic style. It is necessary to know that goal of life is mok a and hence to know it, is to know the seven tattvas. Explaining the seven tattvas, there are totally 10 chapters (adhy yas) in this text. They are as follows:
1s' to the 4th - Jva (Sentience) 5th
Aj va (Non-sentience) 6th 7th
rava (inflow) Bandha (bondage)
Samvara- nirjar (stoppage and efflux) 10th Mok a (liberation)
8th 95
The tattvas are explained in the aphoristic style; this is very important. The author has seriously thought about the content of the text. Aphorisms are full of important content and are in simplistic style. The mark of a sutra is:
Alp k ara Mas ndhigdham s ravad G dhanirnayam Nirdosam hetumatathyam sutramityucyate Buddhehall
It means, the sutra is that which is of fewer words, free of doubt, all the essence, deeply decisive, flawless, with logic, complete with facts. It means in very less words, the much more is told in a simple and lucid way.
To write and make others understand the sutras, both are very difficult. One has to be very cautious while writing the sutras. Any irregularities may create misunderstandings. One cannot write more in the aphorisms. You may read my article "32 faults (do as) of s tra".
We can therefore see the name Tattv rtha S tra is so because the tattvas are described in the aphoristic style.
1.2 The author of Tattv rtha S tra:
It is a pity that there is no foolproof data available about the author's place, parents, his teacher, time etc. Even there is a controversy about his name. Digambaras call him Um sw mi and the vet mbaras call him Um sv ti. Who is right or wrong, cannot be established properly and both sects
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0
