Karm Prakruti Part 01

This document is the first part of a Jain text titled "Karm Prakruti Part 01" (कर्म प्रकृति भाग ०१), authored by Shivsharmsuri and Acharya Nanesh, and published by Ganesh Smruti Granthmala. It is presented for private and personal use by Jain Education International.

The book focuses on the Jain theory of Karma, specifically exploring the intricate relationship between the soul (Jiva) and karma. It delves into how karmas attach to the soul, how they transform and mature based on the soul's mental states, how they manifest their effects (vipāka), and the spiritual processes by which even the most powerful karmas are ultimately destroyed (karma-kshay).

Key aspects and content highlighted in the provided pages include:

• Title and Authorship: The title "Karm Prakruti Part 01" (कर्म प्रकृति भाग ०१) is clearly stated, along with the authors Acharya Shri Nanesh (आचार्य श्री नानेश) and Shri Shivsharmsuri (श्रीमद् शिवशर्मसूरिविरचित).
• Publisher: Shri Ganesh Smruti Granthmala (श्री गणेश स्मृति ग्रन्थमाला), under the Shri Akhil Bharatiya Sadhuramargi Jain Sangh (श्री अ. भा. साधुमार्गी जैन संघ), Bikaner.
• Content of Part 1: This volume, titled "Bandhankaran" (बंधनकरण), focuses on the mechanisms of karmic bondage. The remaining parts, covering other aspects of karma, are indicated to be published in a second volume.
• Thematic Overview (Page 4): The introductory section emphasizes that the book aims to explain the fundamental principles of karma, including how the soul becomes bound to karma, the transformations karma undergoes, the fruition of karma, and the ultimate cessation of karma.
• Dedication and Support: The publication is supported by the "Shri Bhikhandchand Deepchand Bhura Sahitya Prakashan Kosh" (श्री भीखनचन्द दीपचन्द भूरा साहित्य प्रकाशन कोष), with significant financial contribution from Shri Deepchandji Bhura, a prominent industrialist and supporter of the Jain Sangh.
• Acharya Nanesh's Contribution: The text highlights the profound role of Acharya Shri Nanesh in clarifying complex aspects of karma theory with his intellectual prowess, offering insightful interpretations that significantly enhance the book's utility.
• Editor: Devkumar Jain (देवकुमार जैन) is credited with the meticulous editing of the text.
• Core Jain Philosophy of Karma: The introductory analysis by Acharya Shri Nanesh (Page 14 onwards) delves into the existential questions about the diversity of beings and their experiences, tracing the root cause to karma. It contrasts Jainism's comprehensive view of karma with other Indian philosophies, noting the detailed and systematic treatment of karma in Jain literature, which originates from ancient texts like the Purvas.
• Detailed Analysis of Karma: The text promises a deep dive into the soul's bondage to karma, the causes of this bondage, the potency of karma, its duration of association with the soul, its inability to bear fruit, the possibility of altering karmic fruition, the transformation of karma's intensity, the determination of karmic results, and the state of the liberated soul.
• Types of Karma: The book systematically classifies karma into eight main types (prakrutis):
  1. Jnanaavarniya (ज्ञानावरणीय - Obscuring Knowledge)
  2. Darshanaavarniya (दर्शनावरणीय - Obscuring Perception)
  3. Vedaniya (वेदनीय - Feeling)
  4. Mohaniya (मोहनीय - Deluding)
  5. Aayush (आयु - Lifespan)
  6. Naam (नाम - Name/Characteristics)
  7. Gotra (गोत्र - Status/Lineage)
  8. Antaraay (अन्तराय - Obstruction)
• Ghatik and Aghatik Karma: The text clarifies that the first four (Jnanaavarniya, Darshanaavarniya, Mohaniya, Antaraay) are "ghatik" (घातिक - destructive to the soul's essential qualities), while the latter four (Vedaniya, Aayush, Naam, Gotra) are "aghatic" (अघातिक - not destructive to the soul's essential qualities).
• Mohaniya Karma as the Root: Mohaniya karma is identified as the root of the karmic tree, highlighting its significant influence on the soul.
• Detailed Classification: The text provides detailed classifications of each of the eight karmas into their sub-types (uttar prakrutis), explaining their characteristics and the reasons for their classification. For instance, Mohaniya karma is divided into Darshan Mohaniya and Charitra Mohaniya, each with further subdivisions like Mithyatva, Samyak Mithyatva, and Samyaktva.
• The Role of Consciousness (Chetana): In discussing the meaning of "karma," the text touches upon the Buddhist concept where "chetana" (consciousness) is paramount, emphasizing that without consciousness, no action has karmic significance.
• Dravyakarma and Bhavakarma: A crucial distinction is made between "dravyakarma" (material karma, the actual karmic particles) and "bhavakarma" (psychic karma, the soul's passions and intentions). These are explained as interdependent, with bhavakarma attracting dravyakarma and vice versa.
• Rejection of External Creator: The text addresses arguments for an external creator (Ishvara) by explaining that the soul itself is the doer and experiencer of its karma, and the universe operates according to karmic principles, not divine intervention.
• The Eightfold Process (Karana Ashtak): The text outlines the eight processes (karana) through which karma operates on the soul: Bandhan (bondage), Sankraman (transference), Udvarta (enhancement of duration/intensity), Apavarta (diminishment of duration/intensity), Udiraṇa (premature fruition), Upashamana (suppression), Nidhhati (immutability), and Nikachana (inevitability).
• Detailed Explanation of Bandhanakaran: The first part of the book focuses on "Bandhanakaran" (बंधनकरण), explaining the process of karmic bondage through the soul's "yoga" (activity of mind, speech, and body) and "kashaya" (passions).
• Mathematical and Philosophical Depth: The text goes into considerable mathematical detail, discussing numerical calculations related to the manifestation of karma, such as the quantification of karmic particles (pradesha) and the complex interactions between different types of karma.
• The Table of Contents (Page 43 onwards): A detailed table of contents (विषयानुक्रमणिका) is provided, listing the verses (gathas) and the topics covered, ranging from the interpretation of mangala verses and the nature of the eight karmas, to the intricacies of the eight karmic processes, causal factors, and classifications of karma based on various parameters like duration, potency, and fruition.

In essence, "Karm Prakruti Part 01" is a scholarly and comprehensive treatise on the fundamental principles of karma in Jainism, presented in a structured and detailed manner, aiming to provide readers with a deep understanding of how karmic laws govern the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and ultimately, the path to liberation.