Tattvartha Sutra

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Vijay K Jain
Publisher: Vikalp

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from all karmic attachment; the masters of adepts in spirituality; the adepts guiding the scholar-ascetics; and the ascetics devoted to the contemplation of self. THE ULTIMATE CONTRIBUTION As the present work was nearing completion, an apprehension started to kindle within me: given my status as a mundane householder, and limited knowledge - like a drop in the ocean - of the issues covered in Tattvārthsūtra, many learned individuals may not find themselves sufficiently enthused to go through the work with right earnest. I thought of showing the final proofs to the Most Learned, Teacher of Teachers, Achārya 108 Vidyanandji Muniraj at Kundkund Bharti, New Delhi. On a cold December afternoon, I reached Kundkund Bharti and waited on its sprawling lawns for the Muniraj to come out after his routine Samayika (periodical concentration, equanimity). Just before 3.0 p.m., the Muniraj walked out majestically with a white 'pichchi' in his hand. While the others were beset by shivering cold wind, the Muniraj seemed to have conquered the nature by dwelling in the warm house of inner knowledge. I touched the worshipful feet of the Muniraj, he took seat on a wooden stool, and with great nervousness I handed over to him the folder containing the final proofs of the book. His first observation was that the presentation seemed to be attractive and it immediately allayed partially my anxiety. He then read aloud the Mangalacharan, followed by the first Sūtra
सम्यग्दर्शनज्ञानचारित्राणि मोक्षमार्गः ।। The Achārya guided that a corollary of this Sūtra
मिथ्यादर्शनज्ञानचारित्राणि संसारमार्गः ।। Wrong belief, knowledge, and conduct (together) constitute
the path to eternal transmigration. should also be reflected upon by all. The Achārya called for his disciple saint, Upādhyāya 108 Shri
(viii)