अकलंकदेव की कृति तत्त्वार्थवार्तिक

Summary

This PDF discusses the Tattvarthavartika, a commentary on the Tattvarthasutra by Akalankadeva. The Tattvarthasutra, written in Sanskrit by Umaswami, is a foundational text of Jain philosophy, accepted by both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions. It presents the seven fundamental truths (tattvas): jiva, ajiva, asrava, bandha, samvara, nirjara, and moksha. The earliest Digambara commentary is Pujyapada’s Sarvarthasiddhi, while the Shvetambara tradition has the Tattvarthadhigama Bhashya. Akalankadeva’s Tattvarthavartika, also known as Rajavartika, is a profound and complex work that largely follows the Sarvarthasiddhi. It is divided into ten chapters, each subdivided into sections called ahikas, a method not seen in earlier Jain literature. The text reveals Akalankadeva as a philosopher, theologian, and grammarian. He critically examines various Indian philosophical schools, including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Buddhist, Samkhya, Mimamsa, and Charvaka, to defend Jain principles. For example, he refutes the Vaisheshika concept of samavaya (inherence) and their view that the soul is distinct from knowledge. He argues against the Nyaya idea that knowledge alone leads to liberation, emphasizing the need for right faith, knowledge, and conduct. He also critiques the Mimamsa focus on ritual action and the Charvaka identification of the soul with the body. Akalankadeva’s work established a style of logic known as Akalanka-nyaya, which was widely adopted by later Jain thinkers.