Bhagwati Sutra Part 07

This document is the seventh part (Saptamo Bhagaḥ) of the Bhagwati Sutra, compiled and explained by Ghasilal Maharaj, and published by A. B. Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/009317/1.

Summary of the Content:

This volume, specifically the eighth chapter (Ashtamam Shatakam) containing the eighth, ninth, and tenth sections (Uddesha), delves into various philosophical and ethical aspects of Jainism. The text, presented with Hindi and Gujarati translations alongside the original Sanskrit and Prakrit, is rich with discussions on:

• Adhyatma-pratyaneeka (Guru-pratyaneeka) and their opposites: The eighth section (Uddesha 8) starts by defining and discussing concepts like "pratyaneeka" (opposites or antagonists) in relation to Gurus, directions, groups, compassion, scriptures, and states of being. It meticulously outlines the nature of these "opposites" in various contexts.
• Nature of Karma and Karma Bandha (Bondage): The text extensively elaborates on the different types of karma bondage, specifically differentiating between Iryapathik Bandha (karma bondage related to the path of action) and Samparayik Bandha (karma bondage related to worldly existence and passions). It details the entities capable of forming these bonds and explores various permutations based on gender and life forms. It also discusses the temporal aspects of karma bondage, classifying it as sadika (with beginning) and anadika (without beginning), and saparyavasita (with end) and aparyavasita (without end). The text also delves into the concept of desa-bandha (partial bondage) versus sarva-bandha (complete bondage).
• Karma Prakruti and Parishaha: The ninth section (Uddesha 9) discusses the classification of karma into eight types (Karma Prakruti) and outlines 22 types of hardships or tribulations (Parishaha) that are associated with them. It explains how different Parishaha relate to specific Karma Prakrutis, particularly highlighting their connection to Jnanavaraniya (knowledge-obscuring karma), Vedaniya (feeling-producing karma), Mohaniya (delusion-producing karma), and Antaraya (obstacle-creating karma).
• The Sun and its Characteristics: The text includes a section on the Sun, describing its apparent distance and proximity from a Jain cosmological perspective. It explains these phenomena through the lens of cosmic light (leshyas) and their interactions. It also touches upon the Sun's movement and its influence on different regions.
• Aghati Karma and its Association with Bodies: The text further explores the relationship between different types of karma and the formation of various bodies (shariras) like Audarika, Vaikriya, Ahaaraka, Taijasa, and Kaarmara. It details the specific karma that leads to the formation of these bodies in different life forms, from the lower to the higher realms.
• The Nature of Bonding: The text elaborates on the concept of bonding (bandha) in Jain philosophy, categorizing it into Prayoga Bandha (bonding through action or application) and Visrusa Bandha (natural or inherent bonding). It further categorizes these bonds based on their temporal nature (with or without beginning, with or without end) and their mode of occurrence (e.g., binding particles, containers, or through transformation).
• Alpa-Bahutva (Paucity-Plenitude): The text discusses the relative numbers of beings (jivas) involved in different types of karmic bondage for various bodies (Audarika, Vaikriya, Ahaaraka, Taijasa, Kaarmara). It highlights that the number of beings in Ahaaraka body's complete bondage is the least, followed by others, with the fewest beings involved in absolute bondage for the grossest body.

Overall Focus:

This section of the Bhagwati Sutra appears to be a deep dive into the mechanics of karma, its types, its causes, and its consequences for different types of souls. It also touches upon the nature of existence within the Jain cosmology, particularly concerning celestial bodies and the characteristics of different life forms in relation to their karmic formations. The intricate discussions on various types of bondage and their temporal aspects suggest a sophisticated understanding of the soul's journey through the cycle of birth and death.