Karm Tari Gati Nyari Tarangvati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karm Tari Gati Nyari Tarangvati" by Bhuvanbhanusuri, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Karm Tari Gati Nyari Tarangvati" is a Jain text authored by Acharya Vijay Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj, published by Divya Darshan Trust. The book is a narrative of the life of Tarangavati, a pious Jain nun, whose story serves as a means to explain Jain principles, particularly concerning karma, renunciation, and the path to liberation (moksha). The text delves into philosophical concepts through Tarangavati's life experiences, emphasizing the intricate workings of karma and the importance of spiritual practice.

Key Themes and Narratives:

The book is structured into various chapters, as indicated by the index on page 5, covering Tarangavati's life from her birth to her renunciation and spiritual journey. Some of the prominent themes and narratives explored include:

• The Nature of Karma: The title itself, "Karm Tari Gati Nyari Tarangvati," suggests a central theme of understanding the unique and complex nature of karma. The text aims to illustrate how past actions influence present circumstances and future destinies.
• The Life of Tarangavati: The narrative focuses on Tarangavati, tracing her birth, her early life, her experiences that led to renunciation, her spiritual practices, and her eventual attainment of liberation.
• Illustrative Stories and Examples: The book utilizes numerous stories and examples to explain Jain philosophy. Notably:
  • The Life of Acharya Padaliptasuri: The text highlights the exemplary life of Acharya Padaliptasuri, who achieved spiritual heights at a young age, emphasizing that true knowledge comes from within the soul, aided by scriptures and practices like discipline, penance, and reverence.
  • The Story of Yogin Nagarjun and Acharya Padaliptasuri: This narrative contrasts the worldly siddhis (powers) of Nagarjun with the spiritual prowess of Acharya Padaliptasuri, demonstrating the superiority of spiritual attainment over material achievements. The incident where the Acharya urinates in a golden cup and throws it on a rock, turning it into a gem, symbolizes the transformative power of spiritual purity and abilities.
  • The Four Types of Humans: Page 14 discusses four categories of human beings based on their actions and their impact on the future:
    1. Present, Present, Present (Have, Have, Have): Those who have merit from past lives, act righteously in this life, and will continue to have good fortune in the future.
    2. Have, Not, Not (Have, Not, Not): Those who had merit in the past but do not act righteously now, leading to future misfortune.
    3. Not, Have, Have (Not, Have, Have): Those who lacked merit in the past but are now acting righteously, leading to a better future.
    4. Not, Not, Not (Not, Not, Not): Those who lacked merit in the past, do not act righteously now, and will face future suffering.
  • Tarangavati Sadhviji in Koshalnagar: This section likely details Tarangavati's life as a nun, highlighting her devotion, austerities, and adherence to Jain principles.
  • The Concept of Jatismaran (Remembrance of Past Lives): Tarangavati's awakening to her past lives is a significant event, providing insights into the continuity of karma and the soul's journey through various existences.
  • Tarangavati's Austerities (Ayambil): The text mentions Tarangavati's 108 Ayambils, a significant ascetic practice in Jainism, symbolizing her dedication and purification.
  • The Importance of Virtues and Conduct: The text elaborates on the qualities of good individuals, using examples like the noble shravaka Rishabhan, who is described as a paragon of generosity, gravity, eloquence, virtue, and adherence to Jain principles. His exemplary conduct is presented as a standard for others.
  • The Power of Renunciation (Vairagya): The narratives emphasize the reasons behind Tarangavati's renunciation and the power of detachment from worldly pleasures in attaining spiritual progress.
  • The Nature of Soul and Karma: The book likely explains how karma obscures the soul's true nature and how through spiritual practices, these karmic veils can be removed, leading to the manifestation of the soul's inherent qualities like infinite knowledge and bliss.
  • The Miraculous Nature of Jinas: The text addresses the concept of "Atishays" (miracles) associated with Tirthankara Mahavir, explaining them through the lens of karmic fruition and spiritual powers (labdhis).

Philosophical Insights:

• The Soul's Intrinsic Knowledge: The text posits that knowledge is not external but arises from within the soul, obscured by karmic coverings. Scriptures and practices help remove these coverings.
• The Role of Scriptures: Scriptures are presented as tools that help penetrate the karmic veils, leading to the manifestation of inner knowledge.
• Karma and Its Manifestations: The book illustrates how karma influences physical form, senses, and even subtle knowledge, and how through devotion, renunciation, and penance, karmic obstacles can be overcome.
• The Importance of Guru Bhakti: The text stresses the significance of devotion and reverence towards the Guru and scriptures in the path of spiritual progress, citing examples of great saints and scholars who achieved rapid spiritual advancement through such devotion.
• The Superficiality of Worldly Achievements: The story of Nagarjun and Acharya Padaliptasuri highlights that worldly powers (like alchemy) are insignificant compared to spiritual powers attained through devotion and austerities.
• The Power of Renunciation and Detachment: Tarangavati's life and the concept of "Vairagya" emphasize that true happiness and liberation are attained by shedding attachment to worldly pleasures and possessions.
• The Nature of True Knowledge: The text distinguishes between superficial learning and true knowledge, which is an inner realization of the soul's nature.

Overall Message:

"Karm Tari Gati Nyari Tarangvati" serves as a spiritual guide, using Tarangavati's life as a narrative to convey the profound Jain teachings on karma, dharma, and the ultimate goal of liberation. It aims to inspire readers to understand the consequences of their actions and to strive for spiritual upliftment through adherence to Jain principles and practices. The book emphasizes the importance of renunciation, devotion, and self-discipline as pathways to overcoming karmic bondage and achieving eternal bliss.