Jain Drushtie Karm

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Jain Drushtie Karm" (Karma from a Jain Perspective) by Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia. The book explores the complex doctrine of karma within Jain philosophy.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Core Theme:

The central theme of the book is the Jain understanding of karma, its nature, its functions, its impact on the soul (Jiva), and the path to liberation from its bondage. It emphasizes that karma is not merely an external force but a subtle matter that attaches to the soul, influencing its present and future experiences.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The book is structured to provide a thorough and systematic understanding of karma, starting with its foundational aspects and delving into intricate details.

1. Introduction and Premise:

   • The Law of Cause and Effect: The book begins by establishing the universal principle of cause and effect, which applies to the moral and ethical realms as much as the physical. The concept of "as you sow, so shall you reap" is highlighted as fundamental.
   • The Complexity of Karma: It acknowledges that the workings of karma are intricate and often difficult to comprehend. The apparent disparity between virtuous individuals suffering and wicked individuals prospering is addressed, with the explanation that the fruits of actions may manifest in future lives.
   • Rebirth and Memory (Jatismaran): To explain how karmic consequences operate across lifetimes, the text delves into the concept of rebirth. Evidence for past lives is presented through phenomena like infant fear of certain objects (indicating past trauma) and "Jatismaran" (recalling past lives).
   • Interconnectedness of Karma and Rebirth: The text emphasizes that karma and rebirth are inseparable concepts.

2. Karma and Rebirth in Other Indian Philosophies:

   • Vedic and Upanishadic Views: The book briefly touches upon the concept of karma and rebirth as present in the Rigveda and Upanishads, noting how these early texts suggest the transmigration of the soul based on actions, even into non-human forms.
   • Bhagavad Gita's Perspective: The Bhagavad Gita's teachings on karma are discussed, emphasizing the soul's eternal nature, the impermanence of bodies, and the importance of performing actions without attachment to their results (nishkama karma). The distinction between karma, akarma, and vikarma is explained. It also highlights that even divine beings like Krishna are not bound by karma due to their detachment from its fruits.
   • Buddhist Philosophy: The karmic principle is identified as the cornerstone of Lord Buddha's ethical idealism, with the "wheel of dependent origination" (Pratītyasamutpāda) being driven by karma. The text mentions the Buddha's remembrance of past lives and his direct observation of beings transitioning between various existences based on their karma.
   • Patanjali Yoga Sutras: The Yoga philosophy, as expounded by Patanjali and elaborated by Vyasa, is discussed in relation to karma and rebirth. The existence of past lives is inferred from infants' reactions, and the ability to recall past lives through focused meditation (samyama on samskaras) is explained. The classification of karma into Krishna, Shukla, Shukla-Krishna, and Ashukla-Akṛṣṇa is mentioned.
   • Nyaya-Vaisheshika Philosophy: This school of thought is presented as accepting the soul's eternality and thus rebirth. The primary arguments for past lives, such as infants' smiles of joy at certain objects, are analyzed. The concept of "adṛṣṭa" (an unseen consequence of karma) as the cause of birth and the mechanism through which karma operates is explained. The debate regarding God's role in karma is also touched upon.
   • Mimamsa Philosophy: This philosophy, which focuses on Vedic rituals, is presented as accepting karma and rebirth. The concept of "Apurva" (an unseen force that connects actions to their results) is highlighted as a unique contribution of Mimamsa to the understanding of karma.
   • Jain Philosophy: This section forms the core of the book, providing a detailed exposition of the Jain perspective.

3. Jain Understanding of Karma:

   • Karma as Matter (Pudgala): A crucial aspect of Jainism is that karma is considered a subtle form of matter (pudgala) that adheres to the soul. This material aspect explains how karma can obscure the soul's innate qualities.
   • The Process of Bondage (Bandha): The book details the causes of karma bondage, primarily focusing on the fivefold causes: Mithyātvā (delusion/wrong belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Pramāda (carelessness/negligence), Kaṣāya (passions), and Yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body). Kaṣāya (krodh, maan, maya, lobh – anger, pride, deceit, greed) is identified as the primary driver of bondage.
   • The Nature of Karma: Karma is described as being of two types: Dravya Karma (material karma, the actual karmic particles) and Bhava Karma (psychological karma, the passions and intentions). The relationship between these two is causal and co-dependent, like that of a hen and an egg.
   • The Eight Karmic Bodies (Mūla Prakṛti): The text systematically explains the eight main categories of karma:
     • Ghaati Karma (Destructive Karma): These directly obscure the soul's essential qualities.
       1. Jñānāvaraṇīya (Knowledge-obscuring): Covers the soul's omniscience.
       2. Darshanāvaraṇīya (Perception-obscuring): Covers the soul's innate, general perception.
       3. Mohaniya (Deluding): Creates delusion, attachment, and aversion, impacting the soul's true nature. It is further divided into Darshan-Mohaniya (belief-deluding) and Charitra-Mohaniya (conduct-deluding).
       4. Antarāya (Obstructing): Impedes the soul's natural abilities like giving, gaining, enjoying, and exerting energy.
     • Aghāti Karma (Non-destructive Karma): These influence the soul's worldly existence but do not directly obscure its essential qualities. 5. Vedayaniya (Feeling-producing): Causes experiences of pleasure and pain. 6. Ayushya (Lifespan-determining): Determines the duration of one's life in a particular existence. 7. Nama (Name/Individuality): Determines the characteristics of one's physical body and individuality, such as one's form, species, and sensory faculties. 8. Gotra (Status/Vedas): Determines one's social standing and lineage (high or low status).
   • Sub-categories of Karma (Uttar Prakṛti): The book goes into immense detail, enumerating hundreds of specific types of karma within each of the eight main categories, explaining their subtle nuances and the specific actions that lead to their manifestation. This section highlights the detailed analysis undertaken by Jain scholars.
   • The Fourfold Aspects of Karma: Karma is understood through four aspects: Prakṛti (nature of the karma, e.g., knowledge-obscuring), Sthiti (duration of the karma's effect), Rasa (intensity of the experience produced), and Pradesha (quantity or extent of karmic matter attached).
   • The Five Causes (Pañca Kāraṇa): The text discusses the philosophical debates on the primary cause of events, presenting the views of various schools: Kāla (Time), Svabhava (Inherent Nature), Niyati/Bhāvitavyatā (Destiny/Fate), Karma (Action), and Puruṣārtha (Effort/Free Will). The Jain position is presented as integrating these elements, with Karma and Puruṣārtha being central, but acknowledging the role of time and circumstances.
   • The Role of Intention (Āśaya): It is stressed that the intention behind an action is crucial in determining its karmic consequence.

4. Path to Liberation (Moksha):

   • Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra: The ultimate goal is liberation (Moksha), achieved through right perception, right knowledge, and right conduct.
   • Samyama and Nirjara: The processes of preventing new karma from attaching to the soul (Samyama) and shedding existing karma (Nirjara) are explained.
   • The Means of Liberation: Practices like vows (Vrata), discipline (Gupti), mindfulness (Samiti), perseverance (Dharma), contemplation (Anupreksha), enduring hardships (Pariṣaha Jay), conduct (Charitra), and asceticism (Tapa) are presented as crucial for breaking the karmic cycle.

5. Significance and Conclusion:

   • Freedom of Will: The book counters the notion that karma leads to fatalism, emphasizing that individuals have free will in how they respond to situations and perform actions.
   • Hope and Purpose: The doctrine of karma is presented not as a cause for despair but as a source of hope and purpose, encouraging individuals to act virtuously and diligently, knowing that their efforts will yield results.
   • The Importance of Understanding: The text highlights the profound impact of understanding karma on human life, providing solace in suffering, motivation for good deeds, and a framework for future improvement.
   • Author's Contribution: The preface and editor's note commend Motichand Kapadia's scholarly work, emphasizing his ability to present complex concepts with clarity, examples, and a deep understanding of Jain scriptures.

In essence, "Jain Drushtie Karm" provides a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the Jain theory of karma, offering a philosophical and practical guide to understanding its intricate workings and the path to spiritual freedom.