Anantanubandhi Kashay Vicharna

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Anantanubandhi Kashay Vicharna" by Punyavijay:

Book Title: Anantanubandhi Kashay Vicharna Author: Punyavijay Publisher: Z_Parmarthik_Lekhsangraha_005006_HR.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/249584/1

This text delves into the concept of Anantanubandhi Kashay, a crucial aspect of Jain philosophy related to the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Core Argument and Definition:

The central theme is to clarify the nature of "Anantanubandhi Kashay" and its role in prolonging samsara. The author begins by acknowledging the vast number of souls in the world and the common occurrence of anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashays) in their actions, even by powerful figures like Chakravarti kings who inflict harm on countless beings.

The text questions a simplistic understanding: If anger, etc., cause "infinite" accumulation of samsara, then figures like Chakravarti, who cause immense destruction, should be destined for an infinitely longer cycle. This leads to a discussion about how liberation (Moksha) is possible for anyone, even those who perform such actions.

The author then clarifies that Anantanubandhi Kashay is not simply any occurrence of anger, pride, deceit, or greed. Instead, it specifically refers to those Kashays that are so deeply rooted and intense that they prevent one from attaining liberation, thereby extending the cycle of samsara indefinitely.

The Path to Liberation and its Obstruction:

The text defines Moksha (liberation) as the unity of right knowledge (Samyak-Gnan), right faith (Samyak-Darshan), and right conduct (Samyak-Charitra). This is further elaborated as Vitraag Gnan, Darshan, and Charitra – knowledge, faith, and conduct devoid of passion. Following the path of the Vitaraags (those free from passions) or obeying their commands is described as akarmak (action that does not create new karma) and is the way to become free from the cycle of infinite samsara.

Therefore, Anantanubandhi Kashay is identified as the anger, pride, deceit, and greed directed against the path of the Vitaraags, their teachings, or the path to liberation. While Kashays may have some worldly effects, it is the intense or even subtle forms of these passions that arise in opposition to the Vitaraag path that lead to bondage and the extension of samsara.

The Power of Virtue and the Nature of Virtue Accumulation:

The text introduces a concept related to virtue: Gun Sankalana (accumulation of virtues). It states that when one virtue is fully embraced, many other virtues automatically follow. For example, cultivating the virtue of forgiveness (Kshamata) leads to the immediate destruction of vices like pride, hypocrisy, attachment, envy, and slander.

The author emphasizes that even by focusing on developing a single virtue with unwavering determination, one can achieve success, lead a blessed life, and move closer to the ultimate goal (Moksha). This suggests that by actively cultivating virtues and eradicating the negative passions, especially those that obstruct the spiritual path, one can break free from the bondage of Anantanubandhi Kashay and progress towards liberation.

In essence, "Anantanubandhi Kashay Vicharna" explains that true Anantanubandhi Kashay is not just experiencing negative emotions, but rather experiencing them in such a way that it actively opposes and hinders the pursuit of spiritual liberation, thereby perpetuating the cycle of rebirth. The path to overcoming this lies in embracing the Vitaraag path and cultivating virtues, which naturally dislodge negative tendencies.