Adhyatmik Daskaran - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Adhyatmik Dashkaran" by Hukamchand Bharilla, focusing on the first chapter, "Bandhkaran" (Bondage of Karma), based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Adhyatmik Dashkaran (Spiritual Ten Modifications of Karma) Author: Hukamchand Bharilla Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur

Overall Theme: The book "Adhyatmik Dashkaran" aims to explain the ten states or modifications of karma as understood in Jainism, particularly within the context of the Karananuyog (theological analysis of karma). The author, Brahmachari Yashpal Jain, emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to understand these complex concepts for spiritual liberation.

Author's Motivation (Manogat): The author states that he has been teaching about the "Gunsthanas" (stages of spiritual development) for many years. The increasing curiosity of the audience about the modifications of karma, which are intrinsically linked to the Gunsthanas, inspired him to delve deeper into this subject. He acknowledges that understanding karma is profoundly difficult, even for scholars, and that the explanations are based on the teachings of omniscient beings. The book employs a question-and-answer format to make the subject accessible. The author also mentions that his personal journey of studying and teaching karma has been marked by a struggle against the perception of karma's overwhelming strength, and he hopes this book will alleviate similar difficulties for others. He expresses gratitude to those who reviewed and provided suggestions for the book.

Introduction to the Subject (Vishay Pravesh): The text begins by clarifying the various meanings of the word "karma," differentiating it from its grammatical usage (object in a sentence), its philosophical usage in texts like Samaysar (changes in substance or attributes), and its ethical usage in texts like the Bhagavad Gita (actions performed without attachment to results). The book specifically focuses on the Jain concept of karma, defined as the subtle karmic matter (karmic vargana) that, due to the soul's passions (like moha, raga, dvesha), undergoes specific transformations and binds with the soul, resulting in the eight types of karma (like knowledge-obscuring karma, etc.). The core purpose of the book is to understand the ten modifications of these eight karmas.

The Ten Karmas (Dashkaran): The text lists the ten modifications of karma:

Bandhkaran (Bondage)
Sattakaran (Co-existence/Existence)
Udaykaran (Manifestation/Maturity)
Udiranakaran (Accelerated Maturity)
Utkarsnkaran (Enhancement)
Apkarshankaran (Diminishment)
Sankramnkaran (Transformation)
Upashantkaran (Subdued State)
Nidhittikaran (Innate/Unchangeable)
Nikachitkaran (Firmly Established/Unbreakable)

The text emphasizes that the sequence of these ten modifications is logical, as each subsequent state depends on the previous one. For instance, without bondage, there can be no existence, and so on.

Chapter 1: Bandhkaran (Bondage of Karma): This chapter delves into the first modification, Bandhkaran.

Q&A on Bandhkaran:
- Bondage vs. Bondage Principle: Bandhkaran is one of the ten states of karma, while the principle of bondage is one of the seven essential truths in Jainism. Bandhkaran is primarily a subject of Karananuyog (karma analysis), focusing on the gross aspects of karma's modifications, whereas the principle of bondage is a focus of Dravyanuyog (metaphysics), dealing with the subtle, truth-based understanding of reality.
- Bondage and Ashrava: Ashrava (influx of karmic particles) and Bandh (bondage) are considered inseparable and occur simultaneously. Ashrava is thus subsumed within the concept of Bandh.
- Abaadhakaal (Period of Non-manifestation): Abaadhakaal is not a separate modification of karma but a part of the bondage itself (specifically, the period within the total duration of bondage before karma begins to manifest). It's the time when karmic particles are bound but have not yet started to yield results.
- Bondage and Time: Karma bondage is considered eternal from an infinite past but finite for liberated souls.
- The Nature of Bondage: The actual cause of bondage is the soul's passions (moha, raga, dvesha) and activities (yoga). The text clarifies that karma itself is inert matter.
- Types of Bondage: Bandhkaran is generally divided into four types:
  1. Prakruti Bandh: The type of karma being bound (e.g., knowledge-obscuring).
  2. Pradesh Bandh: The quantum of karmic particles bound.
  3. Sthiti Bandh: The duration for which the karma remains bound.
  4. Anubhag Bandh: The intensity or potency of the karma to yield results.
- Importance of Bandh Principle: While knowledge of Bandhkaran isn't strictly mandatory for liberation, understanding the principle of bondage is essential as it's one of the seven truths.
- Karma and Suffering: Bondage is the cause of suffering, and understanding it helps in realizing the nature of freedom from suffering.
- Karma's Strength: The book strongly argues against the notion that karma is inherently "strong" or that it dictates the soul's actions. It emphasizes that the soul's own passions are the cause of bondage and that liberation is achieved through the soul's efforts. The text cites examples and philosophical arguments to assert that karma is inert and the soul, through its own efforts and right understanding, can overcome its influence.
- Bondage and the Four Anuyogas: The text briefly describes the other three Anuyogas: Prathmanuyog (narratives of enlightened beings), Charan Anuyog (conduct and discipline), and Dravyanuyog (metaphysics). It highlights that while these deal with grosser aspects, Karananuyog deals with subtle and remote matters like karma.
- Understanding Karma: The text asserts that karma can only be truly understood through the testimony of omniscient beings (Jina Vani) as it's not perceivable by the senses.
- The Ten Modifications: The text reiterates that the ten modifications (Bandh, Sattva, etc.) are states of karma and are scientifically ordered.
- Bondage of Karma in Different Gunsthanas: The chapter details how different types of karma are bound or not bound at various stages of spiritual development (Gunsthanas).
- Specific Karma Types and Bondage: It explains how specific karmas like Tirthankar, Ayushya (life span), Goatra (status), and the divisions within Mohaniya (delusion) karma are bound or not bound at different stages.
- The Role of the Soul's Efforts: A significant portion of the Q&A emphasizes that while karma exists, it is the soul's internal states (passions, consciousness) that determine how karma binds and manifests. The soul's efforts to purify its intentions are crucial for breaking the cycle of karma.

Key Takeaways from Bandhkaran:

Bondage is the initial stage of karma, leading to all subsequent modifications.
The root cause of bondage lies in the soul's passions and activities, not in the inherent power of karmic matter.
Understanding the four types of bondage (Prakruti, Pradesh, Sthiti, Anubhag) is essential for comprehending the mechanics of karma.
The book aims to empower the reader by demonstrating that the soul is ultimately the master of its destiny, not subservient to karma.

This summary covers the initial pages provided, focusing on the introductory sections and the detailed explanation of "Bandhkaran." The subsequent chapters would elaborate on the remaining nine modifications of karma.