Karm Vignan Part 09

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karm Vigyan Part 09" by Acharya Devendramuni, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Karm Vigyan Part 09 (Karma Science, Part 09) Author: Acharya Devendramuni Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay, Udaipur

Overall Theme: This book, the ninth part of a larger work, "Karm Vigyan" (Karma Science), by Acharya Devendramuni, focuses on the profound and intricate principles of Jain Karma Theory. The summary provided covers the author's biography, the structure of the entire "Karm Vigyan" series, and specifically delves into the contents of Part 09, which deals with the nature and attainment of the Arhant and Siddha states. The summary also includes introductory sections and detailed discussions on the foundational concepts of Karma Siddhanta as presented in the first few parts of the series, providing context for the later parts.

Author's Profile (Acharya Shri Devendramuni Ji):

• Character: Described as radiating divinity through his saintliness and simplicity, adorned by knowledge and humility, and honored for his goodwill, equanimity, and benevolent intentions towards all. He is characterized by continuous study of scriptures, an immaculate and selfless lifestyle, courteous behavior towards everyone, sweet speech, and efforts to unite the community.
• Life Details: Born on Dhanteras (Kartik Vad 13) in V.S. 1988 (November 7, 1931) in Udaipur. Received Bhagavati Jain Deeksha in V.S. 1927 at the feet of Gurudev Upadhyay Shri Pushkar Muni Ji M.S.A. Crowned Acharya of Shraman Sangh on Akshaya Tritiya in V.S. 2049.
• Scholarship: Possesses complete mastery of languages like Prakrit, Sanskrit, Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi. Has extensively studied and researched Agamas, Vedas, Upanishads, Pitakas, Grammar, Nyaya, Philosophy, Literature, and History. Is a prolific writer and editor.
• Literary Works: Has written, edited, and published over 360 books, comprising more than 45,000 pages of material.

The "Karm Vigyan" Series:

• Scope: The entire "Karm Vigyan" series is a vast work of approximately 4500 pages, divided into nine parts.
• Part 01: Philosophical and scientific discussion on Karma Theory.
• Part 02: Detailed exposition on Punyas (merit) and Pāpas (demerit).
• Part 03: Argumentative discussion on Āsrava (influx of karma) and its types.
• Part 04: Discussion on Karmic Prakritis (types of karmas).
• Part 05: Detailed discussion on the various types of karmic bondage.
• Part 06: Explanation of Samvara (cessation of karma influx) and Nirjara (eradication of past karma) as means to stop and exhaust karma.
• Part 07: Elaboration on various methods of Samvara practice and the types of Nirjara.
• Part 08: Exposition on the nature of Moksha (liberation) and the principles leading to it.
• Part 09 (This Volume): Discussion on the nature of Arhanta and Siddha states.

Key Themes of Part 09 (as per the initial chapters and introduction):

• Focus: The ninth part specifically addresses the nature and characteristics of the Arhant and Siddha spiritual states, which represent the pinnacle of liberation from the karmic cycle.
• Connection to Karma: This volume concludes the discussion on Karma Siddhanta by detailing the ultimate goal and the states achieved after the complete cessation of all karmas.

Detailed Summary of Concepts Introduced (covering the initial parts for context as provided in the text):

• Dharma and Karma: These are fundamental concepts in the spiritual world. Dharma generally signifies liberation/moksha, while Karma signifies bondage. The entire cycle of existence is a play of bondage and liberation.
• Karmavada (Karma Theory): A profound subject essential for understanding liberation. Without understanding karma, one cannot grasp Dharma or the path to Moksha.
• The "Karm Vigyan" Series' Contribution: Acharya Devendramuni's comprehensive work on karma has greatly benefited the spiritual community. It was conceived in parts and expanded to nine volumes due to its detailed nature.
• Content Breakdown of Volumes:
  • Vol 1: Philosophical and scientific aspects of karma.
  • Vol 2: Punyas and Pāpas.
  • Vol 3: Āsrava (influx of karma) and its sub-types.
  • Vol 4: Karmic Prakritis (types of karma).
  • Vol 5: Various forms of karmic bondage.
  • Vol 6: Samvara (cessation of karma) and Nirjara (eradication of karma).
  • Vol 7: Methods of Samvara and types of Nirjara.
  • Vol 8: Nature of Moksha and its means.
  • Vol 9: Nature of Arhanta and Siddha.
• Importance of Understanding Karma: It's crucial for liberation, as it's the basis of the cycle of birth and death.
• Critique of Other Philosophies: The work implicitly or explicitly contrasts Jainism's comprehensive view of karma with other Indian philosophies (Mimamsa, Vedanta, Yoga, Sankhya, Buddhism, Gita) and Western concepts, highlighting Jainism's unique and detailed explanation of karma's origin, types, cessation, and eradication. It notes that many systems explain karmic consequences but lack a clear path to complete freedom from karma.
• Jain Karma Theory's Uniqueness: Jainism provides a complete and all-encompassing view, detailing the real nature, existence, Āsrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara, and Moksha, along with the types of karma, causes of Āsrava and Bandha, and means for nirodha and kshaya.
• The Title "Karm Vigyan": The title emphasizes the scientific, analytical, and experiential knowledge of karma, encompassing its philosophical, practical, and ethical dimensions.
• Existence of Karma: The text argues for the existence of karma through various proofs, reasoning, and observed diversity in living beings and human capabilities. It counters arguments based on genes, environment, or primary motives by demonstrating that accumulated karma from past lives explains these variations.
• Jain Karmavigyan's Scope: It systematically explains karma from its existence to its complete annihilation, covering aspects like bondage, states of karma (bandha, udaya, udīraṇā, sattā), transformation (udvartana, apavartana, samkramaṇa), pacification (upashamana), destruction (kshaya), and partial destruction (kshayopashama).
• The Ultimate Goal: The entire discussion aims at understanding and transcending karma to achieve Moksha, the state of liberation and inherent perfection of the soul.
• Arhant and Siddha: The ninth part specifically focuses on these highest spiritual states, achieved through the complete destruction of karmic hindrances. Arhants have destroyed four main karmas (ghati karma) and are liberated souls still embodied, while Siddhas are completely free from all eight karmas and exist in a pure, formless state.
• Key Figures: The author, Acharya Devendramuni, is highly respected. The publication was supported by donors like Dr. Champalal Ji Desarda. Gurudev Upadhyay Shri Pushkar Muni Ji Maharaj is mentioned as an inspiration.

Summary of Early Chapters/Concepts (as presented in the provided text):

• Chapter 1 (Karma Siddhanta: Sindhu mein Bindu): Discusses the omnipresence and importance of 'karma' (action/deed) in all aspects of life. It acknowledges that various religions and philosophies recognize karma, but Jainism offers a uniquely comprehensive explanation of its nature, existence, types, bondage, cessation, eradication, and eventual liberation (Moksha). It contrasts this with other systems that may offer partial explanations or lack a complete path to liberation. The chapter emphasizes the scientific and analytical approach of Jain Karma Vigyan.
• Chapter 2 (Karma Vigyan: Part 1 Summary - Karma ka Astitva - Existence of Karma): Begins by establishing the existence of karma, citing the vast diversity among living beings as evidence. It argues that karma is the reason for these differences, refuting purely biological or environmental explanations by pointing to anomalies like exceptional individual talents beyond parental or environmental influence. It also addresses criticisms from atheistic philosophies like Charvaka, proving karma's existence through logical arguments, testimonies of omniscient beings, and the observable results of actions.
• Chapter 3 (Karma Siddhanta: Bindu mein Sindhu - Karma Vada ka A historical analysis): Traces the historical evolution of Karma Theory, noting its acceptance across various Indian traditions. It highlights the Jain emphasis on the complete eradication of karma for liberation, a concept less emphasized or absent in other systems. It discusses the two primary streams of karmavādins: those focused on outward actions (pravartak) and those focused on inward detachment (nivartak), with Jainism aligning with the latter for ultimate liberation. The chapter also touches upon the origins of karma theory attributed to Lord Rishabdeva and its influence on Vedic traditions.
• Chapter 4 (Karma Vigyan: Part 1 Summary - Karma ka Astitva - Part 2): Continues the discussion on the existence of karma, refuting arguments by atheists and materialists. It emphasizes that while karma might not be directly perceivable like a pot or cloth, its effects (happiness, suffering, etc.) are evident, similar to how electricity is inferred from its functions. It also discusses the existence of the soul (Ātmā) as the prerequisite for karma, proving Ātmā's existence through various philosophical arguments and scriptures. The re-birth concept is also linked to the existence of karma.
• Chapter 5 (Karma Vigyan: Part 1 Summary - Karma ka Astitva - Part 3): Further elaborates on the existence of karma, addressing the idea of God as the creator and controller of karma. It argues against the concept of an external God dictating karmic outcomes, asserting that the soul (jiva) itself is the doer and enjoyer of its karma. It explains that the soul's involvement with karmic matter (pudgala) is ancient but can be severed through spiritual practices. The chapter also discusses the concept of karma being both substantial (dravya) and influential (bhava).
• Chapter 6 (Karma Vigyan: Part 2 Summary - Karma ki Upayogita, Mahatta aur Visheshta - Utility, Importance, and Specialty of Karma): Focuses on the utility and significance of understanding karma for spiritual progress, practical life, and ethical living. It explains how knowing karma helps in overcoming suffering, developing equanimity, and living a moral life. It also touches upon the misconception that external forces or deities grant liberation, reinforcing the Jain principle of self-effort.
• Chapter 7 (Karm Vigyan: Part 3 Summary - Karmon ka Āsrava aur Samvara - Karma's Influx and Cessation): This section delves into Āsrava (the influx of karma into the soul) and Samvara (the stopping of this influx). It explains the causes of Āsrava (like mithyātva, avirati, pramāda, kaṣāya, yoga) and the methods to practice Samvara, which involve controlling the mind, speech, and body. It highlights the importance of vigilance, self-control, and equanimity in preventing new karmic bondage.
• Chapter 8 (Karm Vigyan: Part 4 Summary - Karma Bandha ki Sarvabhaum Vyakhya - Universal Explanation of Karmic Bondage): Discusses the fundamental concept of Karmic Bandha (bondage), its existence, nature, causes, and various forms. It emphasizes that Bandha is the crucial link that keeps the soul entangled in the cycle of birth and death. It explains how Bandha occurs due to the soul's attachment, identification, and passions (kashayas) with karmic matter.
• Chapter 9 (Karm Vigyan: Part 5 Summary - Karma Bandha ki Vividh Dashayein - Various States of Karmic Bondage): Explores the different states and manifestations of karmic bondage, including the classification of karmas into Ghāti (debilitating) and Aghāti (non-debilitating) types, and their specific effects on the soul's qualities. It details the process of karma formation, including Bandha, Udaya, Udīraṇā, and Sattā.
• Chapter 10 (Karm Vigyan: Part 6 Summary - Samvara Tattwa ke Vividh Roopon ka Vivechan - Discussion on Various Forms of Samvara): Focuses on Samvara, the crucial practice of preventing the influx of new karmas. It explains the practical measures and disciplines required to stop Āsrava, such as controlling the senses, mind, and speech, and cultivating virtuous qualities.
• Chapter 11 (Karm Vigyan: Part 7 Summary - Samvara aur Nirjara Tattwa ka Swaroop-Vivechan - Discussion on the Nature of Samvara and Nirjara): Elaborates on the practices of Samvara and Nirjara, which involve the gradual shedding of accumulated karmas. It highlights practices like fasting, penance, contemplation, and mindfulness as essential for purification and liberation.
• Chapter 12 (Karm Vigyan: Part 8 Summary - Moksha Tattwa ka Swaroop-Vivechan - Discussion on the Nature of Moksha): This part details the ultimate goal of Jainism – Moksha (liberation). It explains the state of the liberated soul (Siddha-Paramaatma), characterized by infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and power, free from all karmic bondage and suffering. It outlines the path to Moksha, emphasizing self-effort, detachment, and the attainment of perfect equanimity.
• Chapter 13 (Karm Vigyan: Part 9 Summary - Arhanta: Avasyakta, Swaroop, Prakar, Arhata, Prapti Upay - Arhant: Necessity, Nature, Types, Worthiness, Means of Attainment): This volume specifically discusses the Arhant state. It explains why the Arhant ideal is necessary as a guide and inspiration, the nature of an Arhant (one who has destroyed the four Ghāti karmas), their unique characteristics and virtues, and the path (practice of the three jewels – Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) to attain this exalted state. It highlights the Arhant's role as a spiritual guide and the source of true Dharma.
• Chapter 14 (Karm Vigyan: Part 9 Summary - Vishisht Arhanta Tirthankar: Swaroop, Visheshata, Prapti Hetu - Specific Arhant Tirthankaras: Nature, Specialty, Means of Attainment): This section further details the Tirthankaras, who are special Arhants. It explains their role in establishing the Jain Tirth (four-fold community), their unique qualities, the extraordinary merits (punyas) that lead to this status, and their sublime spiritual accomplishments, including the thirty-four physical and thirty-five verbal miracles (prātihāryas and vanī-atiśayas). It contrasts them with general Arhants and explains why they are considered the ultimate guides for humanity.
• Chapter 15 (Karm Vigyan: Part 9 Summary - Paramatmapad ka Muladhar: Ātmā-Swabhava mein Sthirta - The Basis of Attaining the Supreme Soul State: Stability in Self-Nature): This part delves into the essential practice for achieving the supreme soul state – stability in one's true self-nature. It explains how by understanding the soul's inherent pure nature and through practices like self-reflection, detachment from external influences, and the cultivation of equanimity, one can overcome karmic impurities and realize their inherent divine potential.

Overall Significance: The "Karm Vigyan" series, particularly Part 09, is presented as a profound spiritual guide, offering detailed philosophical and practical insights into the Jain understanding of karma and the path to ultimate liberation. Acharya Devendramuni's work is highly esteemed for its comprehensive and authoritative exposition of these complex spiritual truths.

Note: The provided text extensively covers the detailed explanations of various concepts within the "Karm Vigyan" series, particularly in Parts 1-8, which set the stage for Part 9's focus on Arhant and Siddha. The summary reflects this breadth while highlighting the specific focus of Part 9.