Karm Siddhant Sambandhi Sahitya - Book Summary

Certainly! Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karm Siddhant Sambandhi Sahitya" (Literature about the Doctrine of Karman), based on the provided pages, focusing on its content and structure.

Book Title: Karm Siddhant Sambandhi Sahitya (Literature about the Doctrine of Karman) Author(s): Nipunmuni (Inspirational), Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia (Author) Publisher: Maghrajji Khumaji Vadanvadiwala

Overall Purpose and Scope:

This book is a detailed bibliographic survey of Jain literature pertaining to the doctrine of Karman (karma). It aims to provide scholars, students, and researchers with a comprehensive overview of the vast literary corpus on this central tenet of Jain philosophy. The book systematically categorizes and describes various works, both Śvetāmbara and Digambara, that deal with the intricacies of karma.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the literature on karma by categorizing it based on its origin and type:

Introduction and Context:
- The introductory remarks highlight India's role as the birthplace of many religions, each with its unique scriptures and practices.
- It emphasizes that the Karm Siddhant (doctrine of karma) is the lifeblood of Jain philosophy.
- The text asserts that the profound and detailed treatment of karma in Jain literature is unparalleled elsewhere.
- It explains that worldly existence (saṃsāra) is driven by karma, trapping the soul since time immemorial.
- To achieve liberation and eternal happiness, one must understand karma thoroughly, recognizing it as an adversary, not a friend.
- The book was conceived by Param Pujya Nyas Shri Nipunmuniji Ganivarya and Pujyashri Bhaktimuniji Maharaj with the goal of creating a comprehensive work in modern Gujarati for seekers (mumukshu).
- Professor Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia undertook the significant task of compiling this literature, despite facing personal challenges.
- The initial plan was for a larger work titled "Karma Mimamsa," which was intended to be in two volumes. This current book, "Karm Siddhant Sambandhi Sahitya," serves as a preliminary introduction, presenting the literary works related to the doctrine of karma and its authors, covering both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.
Author's Background:
- The book acknowledges Professor Kapadia's extensive literary contributions, known to both Jains and non-Jains. A list of his other works is provided (Pages 6-10), showcasing his prolific output across various subjects related to Jainism and broader Indian studies.
Structure of the Book (Volumes and Chapters):
- The book is divided into two main volumes:
  - Volume 1: Śvetāmbara Works: This volume focuses on the literature on karma within the Śvetāmbara tradition.
  - Volume 2: Digambara Works: This volume covers the literature on karma within the Digambara tradition.
- Volume 1 Breakdown (Detailed Content):
  - Chapter 1: Āgamas and their Parts (Special Views on Karma):
    - Discusses the foundational status of Āgamas in Jain literature.
    - Identifies Bandhadashā (State of Bondage) as the only Āgama with a primary focus on karma, although it is now only partially available.
    - Mentions other Āgamas like Kamapravāda (Karma Pravāda), Jñānapravāda (Knowledge Pravāda), and Agrāyaṇīya (Agrāyaṇīya), highlighting their potential significance for karma studies, even though they are not fully extant.
    - Details the treatment of karma within the available Āgamas: Sthāna (Thāṇa), Samavāya (Samavāya), Vyākhyāprajñapti (Viyāhapaṇṇuṭṭi), Jñātādharmakathā (Nāyādhammakahā), Uttarādhyayana (Uttarajjhayaṇa), Daśavaikālika (Dasavālikaiya), Daśāśrutaskandha (Dasāsuyakkhanda), Vypātika (Vavāya), Jīvāsabhigama (Jīvājīvābhigama), Prajñāpanā (Paṇṇavaṇā), Anuyogadvāra (Aṇuogdāra), Tandulavaicārika (Tandulavaiyālikaiya), and Devendrastava (Devindrastava). It notes the specific sutras and the types of karma discussed within them.
  - Chapter 2: Commentaries on Three Āgamas:
    - Focuses on the commentaries (vivaraṇa) of important Āgamas that shed light on karma, such as the Niryukti (Nijjutti) of Āvaśyaka and its Viśeṣāvaśyaka Bhāṣya by Jinabhadra Kṣamāśramaṇa. This includes detailed discussions on topics like the five types of knowledge, eight varganās, attainment of right faith, four types of kaṣāyas (passions), stages of spiritual progress (guṇasthāna), and the path of purification (kṣapakaśreṇi).
    - Also covers the commentaries on Ācāra and Kalpa.
    - Includes the Gaṇadhara Vāda (Debates of the Gaṇadharas), detailing discussions on karma within the dialogues of disciples with Lord Mahavir's disciples.
  - Chapter 3: Five Gems of Non-Āgamika (Anāgamika) Literature (Ancient and Profound Śvetāmbara Works):
    - This chapter delves into significant independent works on karma outside the direct Āgamas.
    - Bandhaśataka (or Śataka): Discusses its various names, number of verses, subject matter, author (Śivaśarma Sūri), commentaries, and its relationship with Karma Prakṛti.
    - Karmaprakṛti Sangrahaṇī: Highlights its importance as a unique work on the eight karmas, including discussions on influx (udaya) and subsistence (sattā). It details its author (Śivaśarma Sūri), its nature as a compilation, its relationship with other texts like Kaṣāya Prābhṛta, and its dating.
    - Saptatikā: Explores its nomenclature, number of verses, subject matter, authorship, dating, and extensive commentaries. It notes that this work is accepted by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.
    - Satkarman: Mentions its existence and potential content related to the subsistence of karma.
    - Kaṣāya Prābhṛta: Discusses its significance, though it's primarily considered a Digambara work, its inclusion here might be due to its foundational role or influence.
  - Chapter 5: Pañcasaṃgraha Prakaraṇa:
    - Details the work's nomenclature and significance, explaining the meaning of "Pañcasaṃgraha" (collection of five). It discusses the five dvāras (gates) and the content related to karma. It also touches upon the author Candrarṣi and its relationship with other ancient karma texts.
  - Chapter 6: Four Ancient Karma Texts:
    - Discusses Karmavipāka (Karma Vipāk), Karmastva (Karma Stava), Bandhasvāmitva (Bandha Svāmitva), and Ṣaḍaśīti (Ṣaḍaśīti), along with their respective commentaries and authors.
  - Chapter 7: Five New Karma Texts:
    - Focuses on works by Devendrasūri, including Karmavipāka, Karmastva, Bandhasvāmitva, Ṣaḍaśīti, and Śataka. It highlights their comparative analysis with ancient texts and discusses the innovations and specific contributions of Devendrasūri.
  - Chapter 8: Eight Prakirṇaka (Miscellaneous) Works:
    - Lists and briefly describes eight miscellaneous works that touch upon karma, such as Karmādivicārasāra (Karmādivicāra Sāra), Sūkṣmārthavicārasāra (Sūkṣmārthavicāra Sāra), Sārdhaśataka (Sārdha Śataka), and discussions on karma in Sanskrit works, karma theories in Jainism, and the concept of karma in Indian philosophy.
  - Chapter 9: 48 Works Relating to Aspects of Karma:
    - This extensive chapter covers works focusing on specific aspects of the karma doctrine.
    - 19 Works on Guṇasthāna (Stages of Spiritual Progress): Details various texts specifically dedicated to explaining the fourteen Guṇasthānas and their relation to karma.
    - 29 Remaining Works: Covers a broad range of texts discussing various karmic principles, such as karmavipāka, karmabandha (bondage of karma), saṃkramaṇa (transmigration), and the philosophical implications of karma.
  - Chapter 10: Twenty-one Ancillary Works:
    - Lists works where karma is discussed incidentally or in relation to other philosophical concepts. This includes major texts like Tattvārthasūtra, Kuvalayamālā, Upamiti Bhava Prapraca Kathā, Yogasāstra, Abhidhāna Rajendra, and Jaina Darśana.
- Volume 2 Breakdown (Digambara Works):
  - Chapter 11: Kaṣāya Prābhṛta and Satkarma Prābhṛta:
    - Focuses on foundational Digambara texts on karma.
    - Kaṣāya Prābhṛta (Kaṣāya Prābhṛta): Details its names (Preyāṣa Prābhṛta), authorship (Guṇadhara), dating, structure (15 adhikāras), subject matter (passions and their mitigation), and its commentaries like Cūrṇisūtra and Jayadhavalā.
    - Satkarma Prābhṛta: Discusses its potential relationship with Kaṣāya Prābhṛta and its possible content concerning the subsistence (sattā) of karma.
  - Chapter 12: Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama (Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama):
    - This is a monumental work in Digambara Jainism.
    - Discusses its various names (Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama, Mahākarma Pravāda, Mahābandha).
    - Details its six khaṇḍas (sections): Kriyāsthāna, Śukrabandha, Bandhasvāmitva Vicaya, Vedanā, Varganā, and Mahākalpa (or Mahādhavala).
    - Explains its language (Jagamī Prakrit), its structure, and its vast commentary, Dhavalā, by Vīrasena and Viśākhadeva. It highlights the importance of Dhavalā as a primary source for understanding the Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama.
    - Discusses the authorship attributed to Puṣpadanta and Bhūtabali, under the guidance of Dharasena.
    - Explores the text's relationship with Kaṣāya Prābhṛta and Dṛṣṭivāda.
  - Chapter 13: Six Remaining Works:
    - Covers other Digambara works on karma, including the unknown author's Pañcasaṃgraha, Nemichandra's Pañcasaṃgraha (or Gommaṭasāra), Karma Granthas by unknown authors, Amitagati's Pañcasaṃgraha, and Dhaḍu's Pañcasaṃgraha. It provides details on their content, authorship, and commentaries.
  - Chapter 14: Works Relating to Aspects of Karma:
    - Details works focusing on specific aspects like Labdhisāra (on attainments) by Nemichandra, Kṣapaṇasāra (on destruction of karma) by Nemichandra and Mādhava Candra, and Tribhaṅgīsāra (on various tribhaṅgīs or triple correlations related to karma) by Kṛtamuni, Nemichandra, Kanakandin, and Śrutamuni.
  - Chapter 15: Conclusion:
    - Summarizes the vastness and depth of the literature on karma.
    - Presents a list of key questions that the literature aims to address, such as the nature of the universe, the soul, rebirth, the substance of karma, its relationship with the soul, the causes of karmic bondage, the different types and effects of karma, liberation, and the comparative analysis of Jain karma theory with other Indian philosophical schools.
Appendices:
- The book includes appendices such as lists of authors, works, and keywords, which are crucial for navigating the extensive bibliography.

Key Contributions and Significance:

Comprehensive Bibliography: The book is a landmark achievement in providing an exhaustive list of Jain texts on karma, spanning centuries and both major traditions.
Scholarly Analysis: It goes beyond mere listing by providing critical analysis of the texts, including their authorship, dating, content, commentaries, and interrelationships.
Comparative Study: It facilitates a comparative study of Śvetāmbara and Digambara perspectives on karma by presenting their respective literary contributions.
Accessibility: By cataloging and describing these often rare and ancient texts, the book makes the rich Jain literature on karma accessible to a wider audience.
Preservation: It serves as a vital resource for the preservation and future study of Jain manuscripts and intellectual traditions.

In essence, "Karm Siddhant Sambandhi Sahitya" is an invaluable scholarly tool for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted doctrine of karma within the Jain tradition through its extensive literary heritage.