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Dravya
Samgraha was composed by Nemichandra Sidhanta-chakravarti .
Nemichandra is the author of (1) Dravya Samgraha, (2) Gommatasara,
(3) Labdhisara, (4) Ksapanasara and (5) Triloksara. In the
last verse 58 of Dravya Samraha, Nemichandra has mentioned his name.
Davva-samgaha or Dravya – Samgraha, may be
conveniently divided into three parts. The first part deals with the
six Dravyas (substances) including the five Asti-Kâyas existing in
and comprising this universe. This part extends from verse 1 to 27.
The second part, comprising verses 28-29, deals with the seven
Tattvas and nine Padârthas. The third parts, consisting of verses
40-57, describe the way to attain liberation.
In the opening verse, along with the usual Mangalâcharna, it
is mentioned that Dravya consists of Jîva
and Ajîva.
In the second
verse, Jîva is defined; and
the several characteristics of Jîva
mentioned in this definition are taken up one by one verses 3-14,
and a detailed consideration of the same is embodied therein.
After
this detailed description of Jîva,
the author proceeds to describe Ajîva
in verse 15, which consists of Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, Âkâśa
and Kâla, each of which is defined in verses 16-22. These five
classes of Ajîva with Jîva
make up the six Dravyas existing in this universe.
Among these, Jîva,
Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, and Âkâśa are called Astikâvas
(verse 23), the definition of which is given in the next verse. The
first parts ends after two more verses.
The second part deals with seven Tattvas, viz., Âsrava,
Bandhana, Samvara, Nirjarâ, Moksa, Punya and Pâpa. These seven,
together with Jîva and Ajîva, are known as the nine Padârthas. Some again regard all
these nine as Tattvas. The different varieties of Âsrava, Samvara
etc. are treated in detail in verses 29-38.
The third part
begins with verse 39, in which and the next verse the means to
attain liberation are stated, according to the ordinary and
realistic points of view. Perfect faith, Perfect knowledge and
perfect conduct, which are essential to obtain liberation, are then
defined and in this connection the importance of Dhyâna
(meditation) is emphasized.
In verse 49 we are introduced to the
prayers of the Jainas by which one should attempt to concentrate the
mind upon the Arhats, Siddhas, Âchâryas, Upâdhyâyas and Sâdhus.
These five classes of beings are known as the five Paramesthis, and
their characteristics are described in verses 50-54. The work ends
with a mention of the efficacy of Dhyâna (meditation).
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