Tattvartha Sutra

The Tattvartha Sutra is one of the foundational texts of Jainism. As one of the earliest, most authoritative Jain texts, it was written by Umaswami in Sanskrit, sometime between the 2nd and 5th century CE.

Quotes

Umāsvāti (1994). Tatia, Nathmal. ed. That which is: Tattvārtha Sūtra. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-0-06-068985-8. 

• samyag-darśana-jñāna-cāritrāṇi mokṣa-mārgaḥ
  • The enlightened world-view, enlightened knowledge and enlightened conduct are the path to liberation.
    • 1.1
      • Note: This verse forms the basis of the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels) of Jainism.

• parasparopagraho jīvānām
  • Souls render service to one another.
    • 5.21
      • Note: This verse is the official motto of Jainism.

• jīva-ajīva-asrava-bandha-saṃvara-nirjarā-mokṣās-tattvam
  • The categories of truth are:

1. souls (sentient entities)
2. non-sentient entities
3. the inflow of karmic particles to the soul
4. binding of the karmic particles to the soul
5. stopping the inflow of karmic particles
6. the falling away of the karmic particles
7. liberation from worldly (karmic) bondage.

• 1.4

• Note: This verse summarizes the Jain concept of truth (tattva).

• śubhaḥ puṇyasya, aśubhaḥ pāpasya
  • Good actions cause the inflow of beneficial karma. Evil actions cause the inflow of harmful karma.
    • 6.3
      • Note: This verse summarizes the Jain concept of karma.

• hiṃsā-nṛta-steyā-brahma-parigrahebhyo virati-vratam
  • Abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, carnality and possessiveness — these are the vows.
    • 7.1
      • Note: These consititute the Five Vows (vrata) of Jainism.

• mithyā-darśanā-virati-pramāda-kaṣāya-yogā bandhahetavaḥ
  • The five causes of bondage are: deluded world-view, non-abstinence, laxity, passions and the actions of the body, speech and mind.
    • 8.1
      • Note: This verse summarizes the Jain concept of karmic bondage (bandha).