Jain Karm Sahitya Ka Sankshipta Vivran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Karm Sahitya ka Sankshipta Vivran" by Agarchand Nahta, focusing on its key points:

The book "Jain Karm Sahitya ka Sankshipta Vivran" (A Brief Description of Jain Karma Literature) by Agarchand Nahta, as presented in this excerpt, highlights the central role of karma (actions and their consequences) in Jainism as the explanation for the diversity of living beings and their experiences. The author asserts that Jainism possesses an exceptionally vast and original body of karma literature, unmatched by other religions or philosophies.

Key Points:

• Foundation of Karma Literature: Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions share a common foundation for their karma literature, stemming from the eighth of the fourteen Purvas, known as the Karma Pravada Purva. Although these original texts are no longer extant, their essence is preserved in the respective traditions' scriptures.
• Major Early Texts:
  • Digambara: Key ancient texts include Shat Khandagama, Kashaya Prabhruta, and Mahabandha.
  • Śvetāmbara: Prominent early works are Bandha Shataka, Karma Prakriti, and Pancha Sangraha.
• Development and Commentary: Over time, various Acharyas and monks from both traditions composed new works and wrote extensive commentaries (like Churni and Tika) on these foundational texts. This tradition of scholarly engagement continues to this day.
• Translations and Modern Works: The text notes the ongoing publication of translations and commentaries of ancient karma literature in Hindi and Gujarati, as well as the creation of new karma literature in Prakrit and Sanskrit, running into millions of verses.
• Cataloging Efforts: The excerpt mentions significant efforts to catalog karma literature. A list was published in "Jain Hiteshi" in 1916, compiled by Chatur Vijayji and Punya Vijayji. Pandit Sukhlalji also published a related list in the appendix of his translated "Karma Vipak." Professor Hiralal Kapadia's ambitious work, "Karma Mimamsa," although possibly incomplete, is cited for its extensive description of known and published karma literature from both traditions.
• Detailed Description of Key Śvetāmbara Texts: The majority of the provided text details specific Śvetāmbara karma works:
  • Bandha Shataka: Composed by Shivsharma Suri, it has multiple commentaries (Bhashya, Churni, Vritti, Tippan, Avachuri).
  • Karma Prakriti (Sangrahani): Also by Shivsharma Suri, with commentaries by unknown authors, Malayagiri, and Yashovijaya, along with Tippan on the Churni.
  • Saptatika (Saptati): An anonymous work with numerous commentaries and elaborations by various figures like Abhayadev, Meru Tung Suri, Malayagiri, Devendra Suri, and Gunaratna Suri.
  • Karma Prakriti Prabhruta: Mentioned in Muni Chandrasuri's Tippan, but the text itself is not found.
  • Santakambha (Satkarmanta): Referenced in Malayagiri's commentary on Pancha Sangraha.
  • Pancha Sangraha Prakarana: Composed by Chandrarshi Mahattara, it has multiple commentaries, including one by Malayagiri and a large one by Deepaka.
  • Four Ancient Karma Texts:
    1. Karma Vipak: By Garg Rishi, with commentaries by unknown authors, Parmananda Suri, Haribhadra Suri, Malayagiri, and others.
    2. Karma Stava: By Mal, with a commentary by Govinda Ganika, Haribhadra Suri, and others.
    3. Bandha Swamitva: Anonymous work with commentaries by unknown authors and Haribhadra Suri.
    4. Shadashiti: By Jinavallabh Gani, with multiple commentaries and elaborations. The text notes that Bandha Shataka and Saptatika are considered the fifth and sixth of the "ancient six karma texts."
  • Five New Karma Texts: Composed by Devendra Suri, these gained significant popularity and have been translated into Hindi by Pandit Sukhlalji and Pandit Kailashchandji, and have many Gujarati commentaries.
• Other Notable Works:
  • Sukshmartha Vicharatva or Sardha Shataka: By Jinavallabh Suri, with commentaries by his disciple Ramdev Gani and others.
  • Four Karma Texts: By Jayatilak Suri in Sanskrit.
  • Works by Shrimad Devchandji: Mentioned in relation to the 18th century.
• Digambara Literature Summary: The excerpt briefly lists notable Digambara texts: Shatkhandagama, Kashaya Pahuḍ, Mahabandha, Pancha Sangraha (with variations by different authors), Gommatasara, Labdhisara, Kshapanasara, and Tribhangisara. Pandit Kailashchandji's "History of Jain Literature" is cited for further details on this.
• Contemporary Contributions: The work of Vijay Prem Suri in the current century is highlighted. He is recognized as a profound scholar of karma principles and inspired a large community of disciples who have produced extensive new karma literature in Prakrit and Sanskrit, including works like Khavagasedhi, Thaibandho, Rasabandho, Payeshabandho, and Payadibandho, totaling millions of verses. These works are published by Shri Bharatiya Prachya Tattva Prakashan Samiti.
• Ongoing Research: The text acknowledges that while significant work has been done, much remains to be explored and written about in this field. It calls for a comprehensive independent book on the subject.
• Concluding Verse: The excerpt ends with a Sanskrit verse that speaks to the reduction of ignorance and attainment of knowledge through good company, devotion, and the remembrance of the Lord's virtues, implying that understanding karma leads to spiritual liberation.

In essence, the excerpt provides a foundational overview of Jain karma literature, tracing its origins, highlighting key texts and authors from both major traditions, and emphasizing the continuous scholarly engagement and expansion of this significant body of knowledge.