Gunsthan Prakaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gunsthan Prakaran," based on the provided pages from the Dhavala commentary on Kal-Anuyogadvara:

Book Title: Gunsthan Prakaran (Chapter on Stages of Spiritual Progression) Author(s): Fulchand Shastri (Translator), Yashpal Jain (Editor) Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur Source: Excerpt from Dhavala, Book 4, focusing on Kal-Anuyogadvara (Commentary on the Chapter of Time)

Overall Purpose: This book, "Gunsthan Prakaran," is an edited compilation from the Dhavala commentary on the Shathkhandagama Sutras, specifically focusing on the "Kal-Anuyogadvara" (Chapter on Time) within Book 4. The primary aim is to make the intricate topic of Jain spiritual stages (Gunsthans) accessible to a wider audience by presenting the profound teachings in Hindi. The editor, Yashpal Jain, has meticulously edited the translated work of Pandit Fulchandji Shastri, adding headings, graphical representations, and explanations to clarify the complex subject matter.

Core Subject Matter: The book delves into the fourteen spiritual stages (Gunsthans) of Jainism, which describe the progressive spiritual development of a soul. It explains how a soul moves between these stages and the duration of time spent in each. The content is largely derived from the Dhavala commentary, authored by Acharya Virasen, based on the works of Acharyas Pushpadanta and Bhutabali.

Key Sections and Their Content:

• Introduction (Publisher's Note): The publisher highlights the importance of Yashpal Jain's previous works on Gunsthans and expresses gratitude for his expertise in editing and compiling this new, definitive work. The foundational text is the Shathkhandagama and its Dhavala commentary.
• Editorial Note: The editor, Yashpal Jain, emphasizes that he has not added new material but has organized and clarified the Dhavala text. He shares his passion for the subject of Gunsthans, stemming from his teaching experience. He explains that the book presents the Dhavala's discussion on Gunsthans in small paragraphs, with his own headings and explanations for better understanding. He also mentions the inclusion of diagrams illustrating the movement between Gunsthans and a connection to Gommatasara Jivakanda, along with a section on the duration of Gunsthans.
• Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with an invocation to Vrishabhasena Ganadhara, the first disciple of Lord Mahavir.
• Kal-Anuyogadvara (Chapter on Time): This section forms a significant part of the book, defining and explaining the concept of "time" within Jain philosophy.
  • Four Types of Time: Name-time, Installation-time, Substance-time, and Subjective-time are explained.
  • Substance-Time (Dravya-Kal): This is further divided into Agam-Dravya-Kal (knowledge of time-related scriptures without current application) and Noah-Agam-Dravya-Kal (further divided into knowledgeable body, future, present, and abandoned).
  • Subjective-Time (Bhava-Kal): This is also divided into Agam-Bhava-Kal and Noah-Agam-Bhava-Kal, relating to the soul's experience and perception of time.
  • Definitions of Time: The text explores the etymology of "time" and its various units (Samaya,avali, Nimesh, Muhurta, etc.), providing detailed calculations for Muhurtas and days/nights.
  • The Nature of Time: It discusses whether time is a substance or a quality, its relationship with movement and change in other substances (like soul and matter), and its location.
  • The Purpose of Different Time Classifications: The text clarifies that the primary purpose is to understand Noah-Agam-Bhava-Kal for spiritual progression.
• Gunsthan-wise Discussion of Time and Progression/Regression: The bulk of the book is dedicated to discussing the time spent in each of the fourteen Gunsthans and the pathways of soul's movement between them (Agaman - coming into a Gunsthan, Gaman - going from a Gunsthan).
  • Mithyatva (Delusion): Discusses the duration (minimum and maximum) of this first stage and how souls enter and exit it.
  • Sasadana-Samyaktva (Semi-right belief): Explains the transient nature of this stage and its temporal extent.
  • Samyag-Mithyatva (Mixed right-wrong belief): Details the duration and the types of souls that enter and leave this stage.
  • Avirata-Samyaktva (Unrestrained Right Belief): Discusses its presence throughout all time for various souls and its temporal duration.
  • Deshavirata (Partial Restraint): Explains its presence and temporal limits.
  • Pramatta-Samyata (Careful Ascetic): Discusses its presence and temporal duration.
  • Apramatta-Samyata (Uncareful Ascetic): Discusses its presence and temporal duration.
  • The Four Upashamak (Suppression) Gunsthans: (Apoorva-karan, Anivarttikaran, Sukshma-samparaya, and Ushanta-kashaya) - Explains their duration and movement patterns.
  • The Four Kshapak (Destruction) Gunsthans: (Apoorva-karan, Anivarttikaran, Sukshma-samparaya, and Kshina-Kashaya-Vitaraag-Chaddmastha) - Explains their duration and the process of soul's destruction of karmic obstructions.
  • Sayogikevali (Kevali with activity): Discusses the stage of a Kevali (omniscient being) who still has activity.
  • Ayogikevali (Kevali without activity): Discusses the final stage before liberation.
• Diagrams and Tables: The book includes diagrams illustrating the transitions between Gunsthans and tables summarizing the time durations and movements.
• Detailed Explanation of Pudgala-Parivartan: A significant portion explains "Pudgala-Parivartan" (transformation of matter), specifically the "Nokarma-Pudgala-Parivartan," which is crucial for understanding the concept of "half Pudgala-Parivartan" in relation to the duration of Mithyatva. This section is highly technical, detailing the cycles of taking and discarding matter.
• Philosophical Nuances: The text addresses potential philosophical contradictions and clarifies the meaning of terms and concepts using various philosophical standpoints (Nayas) and the commentaries of great Acharyas. It discusses the nature of substance (dravya) and mode (paryaya).
• Emphasis on the Role of Koti-Pudgala-Parivartana: The concept of Koti-Pudgala-Parivartana (a measure of time and transformation of matter) is used extensively to quantify the duration of certain spiritual stages.

Overall Contribution: "Gunsthan Prakaran" serves as a vital resource for Jain scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the intricate pathways of spiritual progress as expounded in classical Jain texts. By meticulously translating, editing, and clarifying the Dhavala commentary, the authors have made a significant contribution to making these profound teachings accessible and comprehensible. The inclusion of diagrams and detailed explanations of temporal concepts like Pudgala-Parivartana makes it an invaluable guide for those studying Jain spiritual science.