Karm Prakruti Ganitmala - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karm Prakruti Ganitmala" by Devshreeji and Hetshreeji, published by Vitthalji Hiralalji Lalan, based on the provided catalog link and text.

Book Title: Karm Prakruti Ganitmala (कर्म प्रकृति गणितमाला) Authors: Sadhvi Shri Devshreeji (साध्वीजी श्री देवश्रीजी), Sadhvi Shri Hetshreeji (साध्वीजी श्री हेतश्रीजी) Publisher: Vitthalji Hiralalji Lalan (विट्ठलजी हिरालालजी लालन) Publication Year: V.S. 1992 (V.S. 1992) / A.D. 1935

Overview: "Karm Prakruti Ganitmala" is a Jain text that aims to explain the essence of the six Karmagranthas (six books on Karma) in a concise manner. The book is presented as a compilation based on the teachings of Guruniji Shri Guneshriji Maharaj and the efforts of Sadhvi Shri Hetshreeji Maharaj. It was published in memory of Navala Bai, wife of Jetha Bhai Kushal Chand, a resident of Jamnagar.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured into six sections, each referred to as a "Karma Granth" (कर्म ग्रंथ), likely representing key aspects of Jain karmic theory:

1. Karmavipak (First Karma Granth - प्रथम कर्मग्रंथ): This section focuses on the results (Vipak) of karma. It begins with salutations to Lord Vir and then delves into the fundamental definition of karma.

Definition of Karma: Karma is defined as the bondage of soul (Jiva) with matter (Pudgal) due to causes like Mithyatva (wrong belief), Avirati (non-restraint), Kashaya (passions), and external factors. Karma is described as having form (Rupi), not being formless (Arupi).
Eight Types of Karma: The text enumerates the eight main types of karma:
1. Jnānāvaraṇīya (Knowledge-obscuring)
2. Darshanāvaraṇīya (Perception-obscuring)
3. Vedanīya (Feeling-producing)
4. Mohanīya (Delusion-producing)
5. Āyu (Lifespan)
6. Nām (Body-formation)
7. Gotra (Status)
8. Antarāya (Obstruction)
Uttar Prakruti (Sub-types of Karma): It details the number of sub-types for each main karma, totaling 58 Uttar Prakrutis. The order of karma is justified based on their relationship to the soul's essential qualities (like knowledge and perception).
Nature of Karma: It explains that karma is like an unbroken stream, acquired from beginningless time, and can be separated through appropriate means (Tathavidh Samagri). It clarifies how subtle karmic matter (Karmavargana) affects the soul.
Classification of Knowledge (Jnana): The text lists the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala) and their various sub-types and scope.

2. Karmabandh (Second Karma Granth - द्वितीय कर्मग्रंथ): This section focuses on the process of karmic bondage (Bandh).

Guṇasthāna (Stages of Spiritual Evolution): It describes the 14 stages of spiritual evolution (Gunasthana) from Mithyatva to Ayogi Kevali, explaining the characteristics of each stage.
Time Calculation: The duration of time spent in different states and karmic bondage is discussed in terms of time units like Samay, Antarmuhurta, Palya, and Sagaropama.
Bondage, Udēya (Result), Udīraṇā (Incitation), and Sattā (Co-existence): This section elaborates on the concepts of bondage, the fruition of karma (Uday), the incitation of karma (Udīraṇā), and the co-existence of karma with the soul (Sattā).
Karmabandh in Different Gunasthanas: Detailed tables (Yantra) illustrate which karmas are bound, in what stage of Uday, and their Sattā across the 14 Gunasthanas. This includes analysis of the impact of different Gunasthanas on the binding of various karmic sub-types.

3. Bandh-swāmitva (Third Karma Granth - तृतीय कर्मग्रंथ): This section deals with the "ownership" or the specific conditions and modes of bondage (Bandh).

Mārgṇā (Pathways/Classifications): It analyzes karmic bondage in relation to various classifications of beings and their states:
- Gati (Realms of existence: Naraka, Tirvanch, Manushya, Deva)
- Indriya (Sense-capacities)
- Kaya (Bodies: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Vegetation, Moksha)
- Yogas (Mental, Verbal, Physical activities)
- Veda (Genders: Pudgal, Stri, Napunsak)
- Kashayas (Passions: Krodh, Man, Maya, Lobh)
- Jnana (Knowledge)
- Sanyam (Restraint)
- Darshan (Perception)
- Leshya (Subtle karmic colours)
- Bhavya/Abhavya (Potentially liberated/unliberated souls)
- Sammaktva (Right Faith)
- Sanjni/Asanjni (Sentient/Non-sentient beings)
- Aahari/Anaahari (Possessing/Lacking subtle body)
Bondage in Different Gunasthanas: It explains how the binding of karmas varies across the 14 Gunasthanas.
Tables (Yantra): The text includes intricate tables illustrating the number of Prakrutis bound, in Uday, and in Sattā for each of the 14 Gunasthanas and various Marganas.

4. Shishyānādi Dwāra (Fourth Karma Granth - चतुर्थ कर्मग्रंथ): This section likely delves into the granular aspects of karma, possibly related to the "anubhāga" (intensity/quality) and "pradesh" (quantity/number of karmic particles).

Alpa-Bahutva (Less-More Analysis): It discusses the comparative quantity of karmic particles, intensity of karmic results, etc., across different classifications of beings and Gunasthanas.
Detailed Analysis: The text goes into specifics about the number of permutations and combinations of karmic bondage based on various factors like Gunasthana, Yoga, Leshya, etc. It details the complex numerical relationships and classifications.
Detailed Tables: This section features extensive tables (Yantra) to visualize these complex relationships.

5. Sthiti Bandh (Fifth Karma Granth - पंचम कर्मग्रंथ): This part focuses on the duration (Sthiti) of karmic bondage.

Dhruva Bandhi and Adhruva Bandhi: It classifies karmas based on whether their bondage is permanent (Dhruva) or impermanent (Adhruva).
Dhruva Udayi and Adhruva Udayi: Similarly, it classifies karmas based on their fruition (Uday) being permanent or impermanent.
Punya and Paap Prakrutis: It differentiates between meritorious (Punya) and demeritorious (Paap) karmas.
Pāravartini and Aparāvartini: It describes karmas that are subject to transformation (Paravartini) and those that are not (Aparavartini).
Vipak (Results) Classification: It explains karma results based on: Kshetra (region), Jiva (soul), Bhava (state), and Pudgal (matter).
Types of Bondage: It details the four types of bondage: Prakruti (type), Sthiti (duration), Ras (intensity), and Pradesh (quantity).
Abādha Period: The text discusses the period of non-fruition (Abādha Kala) for karmas, explaining how it relates to the karma's Sthiti.
Detailed Sthiti Analysis: It provides specific durations (in Sagaropama and Palya units) for the bondage of various karmas and their sub-types, often explaining the concept of "Utsarpini" and "Avasarpini" Kal (time cycles).
Jaghanya and Utkrushta Sthiti: It discusses the minimum and maximum durations of bondage for different karmas.

6. Saptatika (Sixth Karma Granth - षष्ठः कर्मग्रंथ): This concluding section likely summarizes and synthesizes the karmic principles, possibly focusing on the practical application or nuances.

Mangala (Auspicious Beginning): The text begins with auspicious verses.
Key Concepts: It introduces concepts like Abhidheya (subject matter), Sambandh (relation), and Prayojan (purpose) of the scripture.
Detailed Analysis of Mohaniya Karma: A significant portion of this section appears dedicated to the complex breakdown of Mohanīya Karma (delusion-producing karma), detailing its various sub-types, their bondage, Uday, Sattā, and permutations (Bhanga) across different Gunasthanas, Yogas, Leshyas, and Marganas.
Analysis of Other Karmas: It also covers bondage, Uday, and Sattā for other karmas like Nāma (name karma), Gotra (status karma), Āyu (lifespan karma), and Vedanīya (feeling karma) in relation to Gunasthanas and other classifications.
Tables (Yantra): Like the previous sections, this part also utilizes tables to present the vast number of permutations and combinations of karmic states across different Gunasthanas, Yogas, Leshyas, etc.
Samyakdarshan (Right Faith) and Charitra (Conduct): It touches upon the conditions for achieving Samyakdarshan and the stages of conduct (Charitra) in relation to karma.

Key Figures Mentioned:

Guruniji Shri Guneshriji Maharaj: Revered teacher whose teachings form the basis.
Sadhvi Shri Devshreeji and Sadhvi Shri Hetshreeji: The compilers and authors.
Vitthalji Hiralalji Lalan: The publisher.
Navala Bai: The individual in whose memory the book was published.
Jetha Bhai Kushal Chand: Navala Bai's husband, who provided financial assistance.
Devshreeji, Manekshreeji, Nidhanashreeji, Hetshreeji, Chandanshreeji, Pradhanashreeji, Muktishreeji, Vikashreeji, Chandanshreeji, Amruta, Amrutashreeji, Manushreeji, Sobhagyashreeji, Ramnikshreeji, Ranjanshreeji: Mentioned as disciples of Guruniji Shri Guneshriji Maharaj, indicating a lineage of Jain ascetics.
Acharya Shri Devendrasuriji: Credited with composing the first five Karmagranthas.
Acharya Shri Chandramahattaracharya: Credited with composing the sixth Karmagranth (Saptatika).
Acharya Shri Sagarānandsuriji: Mentioned as the preceptor of Shri Malayasagarji Maharaj.

Purpose and Significance: The "Karm Prakruti Ganitmala" serves as a detailed and systematic guide to understanding the intricate workings of karma in Jainism. It aims to provide a comprehensive yet accessible explanation of the various types of karmas, their bondage, fruition, duration, and permutations across different spiritual stages and classifications of beings. The inclusion of numerous tables (Yantra) suggests a pedagogical approach, enabling a deeper, almost mathematical, understanding of karmic processes. The book emphasizes the practical application of Jain philosophy in understanding the soul's journey and liberation.