Tattvartha Sutra

Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra or Moksh-Shastra) is a Jain text written by Acharya Umaswati, in the second century AD. It is the first Jain scripture written in the Sanskrit language.

The Tattvartha Sutra is regarded as the most authoritative book on Jainism, and the only text authoritative in both the Svetambara and Digambara sects, and its position is comparable with that of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in Hinduism. It is the first Jain text in sutra or aphoristic form, and bring almost entire Jain doctrinal system in 350 sutras spread over 10 chapters. The term Tattvartha is composed of the Sanskrit words tattva "things, realities" and artha "true nature".

One of its sutra: Parasparopagraho Jivanam is the motto of Jainism. Its meaning is "(The function) of souls is to help one another".

Content

The text begins with an invocation:

The first verse of Tattvārthsūtra, "सम्यग्दर्शनज्ञानचारित्राणि मोक्षमार्ग:" summarizes the Jaina path to liberation. It means that the Ratnatraya (three jewels: right view, right knowledge and right conduct) collectively constitutes the path to liberation or moksha.