Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 66

NavTattva does not mean merely the text containing the nine fundamentals. All the concepts presented by the knowledgeable of different places are covered within one or two fundamentals of those nine. The omniscient Lords have covered the entire universe within those nine fundamentals. As one gets into the philosophy thereof from different viewpoints etc. he will experience unique pleasure and purity at heart. What is required is to have discernment, alertness and guidance from a Guru. I intensely like its philosophy; those, who are genuinely interested therein, are very dear to me.
Due to the adverse time only two types of knowledge, viz. sensory and scriptural ones are now available in Bharatkshetra (India); the remaining three are not seen at present due to shortcomings in transmitting knowledge from preceptor to pupil. As one gets deeper in the philosophy of nine fundamentals with faith, he would come across amazing realization, pleasure, rise of high philosophical approach, superb delight and dazzling glitter. That will lead to rise of pure right perception.
Though the capability to make out the infinite significance of Syädväd (Theory of relative perspective) is now lost in this area, whatever aspects can be understood are also full of philosophical significance. The repeatedly contemplating over it can steady even a capricious atheist in religious faith. In short, by virtue of that philosophy one can gain purity, detachment, good character, spotless, deep and serene thinking as well as all types of accomplishment.
Lesson 86: Jain Fundamentals, Part 5
Once there was a talk with a highly learned man (The reference seems to pertain to Harmann Jackobi) regarding the miraculous implications of Jain philosophy. He said, “I admit that Lord Mahävir was a great philosopher. The knowledgeable ones have prepared Ang (Original 12 scriptures) and Upang (Subsidiary scriptures) based on his teaching. His thinking is, no doubt, miraculous, but I cannot admit that it covers the entire knowledge of universe. I am, however, willing to believe it, if you can provide the proofs thereof."
I replied: I do not know the entire Jain philosophy, nor do I know its divisions at length. On the basis of my common knowledge, however, I can give some proofs.
The talks then turned to nine fundamentals. Thereupon I pointed out that those fundamentals cover the knowledge of universe in its entirety, one needs the capability to make it out. When he asked for proofs, I drew his attention towards eight categories of Karma and asked him to suggest a ninth one that could be a new category. Then I narrated various types of sinful and meritorious activities and asked him to suggest a type over and above those types.
While continuing that order I told him about the kinds of soul and asked whether he had to add a new kind. Then I described the types of lifeless substances and asked to suggest an additional one. That way I talked to him about all the nine fundamentals.
He pondered over it and said, "What Lord Mahavir has said is truly miraculous! I do not find any additional kind of soul; there does not seem to be any additional type of sinful and meritorious activity, nor is there the ninth category of Karma. I had never thought that there are such philosophical aspects in Jainism. It can be said to cover the philosophy of the entire universe to a certain extent."
Lesson 87: Jain Fundamentals, Part 6
I pointed out, "You would like to resort to such modified statement so long as you have not borne the Jain fundamentals at heart. I can, however, impartially state that the pure knowledge covered therein does not