Jo Je Karmay Na

This Jain text, titled "Jo Je Karmay Na" (meaning "Whatever is not done"), authored by Acharya Gunratnasuri and published by Jingun Aradhak Trust, is a profound exploration of sin, repentance, and the path to spiritual purification within the Jain tradition. The book emphasizes the critical importance of acknowledging and rectifying one's wrongdoings through the practice of prayshchit (penance or atonement).

The central theme is that while humans are prone to making mistakes, true reverence is earned by those who confess their errors and seek absolution from a spiritual guide. The text uses the analogy of the sacred river Ganges, suggesting that even impurities can be cleansed through the right processes, just as prayshchit can purify the soul. It strongly advocates for confronting one's sins rather than hiding them, asserting that the fear of sin naturally leads to disdain for it, which in turn cultivates the desire for purification.

The book is structured to guide the reader through a process of self-reflection and spiritual growth, highlighting the following key aspects:

Core Message:

• Acknowledge and Repent: The primary emphasis is on the necessity of admitting one's sins and seeking prayshchit from a Guru.
• Purification of the Soul: Prayshchit is presented as a powerful tool to cleanse the soul, making it pure and spotless.
• Overcoming Fear and Shame: The text encourages readers to shed shame and fear associated with confessing their sins, as this is the first step towards liberation.

Author and Publisher: The book is authored by Acharya Gunratnasuri, described as a prolific writer and spiritual guide, renowned for his extensive knowledge and numerous literary works. The publisher, Jingun Aradhak Trust, is dedicated to disseminating Jain teachings and literature.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Prayshchit (Penance/Atonement): This is the cornerstone of the book. It's presented not as punishment, but as a process of purification and spiritual healing.
• Alochna (Confession): The act of confessing one's sins to a Guru is paramount. The book provides detailed examples and guidance on how to perform alochna.
• The Importance of a Guru: The text consistently stresses the indispensable role of a knowledgeable and compassionate Guru in guiding the process of prayshchit.
• Consequences of Unresolved Sins: Through numerous illustrative stories and examples from Jain scriptures and history, the book demonstrates the severe and often cyclical consequences of not seeking prayshchit. These consequences can span across multiple lifetimes, leading to suffering, rebirths in lower realms, and spiritual stagnation.
• Types of Sins and Their Manifestations: The book categorizes various sins, including those related to lust, anger, greed, falsehood, theft, violence, and even intellectual transgressions like disrespecting religious knowledge. It vividly portrays how these sins manifest in one's life and the potential suffering they cause.
• The Power of Intention and Bhava: The text often highlights that the purity of one's intention in confessing and performing penance is as crucial as the act itself.
• Inspiring Stories: The book is rich with narratives of saints, ascetics, royalty, and even common individuals who either suffered due to unconfessed sins or achieved spiritual liberation through diligent prayshchit. These stories serve as both cautionary tales and sources of inspiration. Examples include:
  • Rukmini's story illustrating the long-term consequences of hiding sins.
  • The tale of the farmer who killed a fly, and the repercussions of his actions.
  • The story of Raja Harishchandra and Taramati, highlighting the severe penance they endured due to unconfessed past sins.
  • The narrative of Shripal Raja and his affliction with leprosy, attributed to past transgressions.
  • The complex karmic journey of Draupadi, stemming from a single unconfessed thought.
  • The consequences of envy and the failure to perform alochna, as seen in the lives of various characters like Anjana Sundari, Queen Kuntala, and others.
  • The importance of true alochna and prayshchit is further underscored by stories like that of Kamalalakshmi and Arnik Kumar, who attained spiritual liberation through proper repentance.
• The Ideal Guru: The text describes the qualities of an ideal Guru who can administer prayshchit, emphasizing their knowledge of scriptures, compassion, and ability to guide the penitent effectively.

Structure and Content: The book is largely structured around detailed case studies and stories, often presented in a narrative style. Each story illustrates specific sins and the karmic repercussions faced by individuals who failed to perform adequate prayshchit. It also includes sections on the importance of alochna (confession), how to perform it, and who is qualified to give prayshchit.

Overall Purpose: "Jo Je Karmay Na" serves as a comprehensive guide and a powerful deterrent against sinful actions. It aims to instill a deep understanding of the law of karma and the transformative power of repentance within the Jain framework. By illustrating the dire consequences of unconfessed sins and the liberating potential of prayshchit, the book encourages readers to live a life of ethical conduct, spiritual awareness, and ultimately, self-realization. It is a call to action for every Jain to engage actively in spiritual practices for the purification of their soul and the attainment of liberation.