Karma Vipak

This Jain text, "Karma Vipak" (कर्म विपाक), authored by Vinod Jain and Anil Jain and published by Nirgrantha Granthamala, is a comprehensive treatise on the nature, classification, and effects of karma according to Jain philosophy. Attributed to the esteemed Acharya Sakalkirti, the work delves into the intricacies of karmic bondage and liberation.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the provided text:

Core Concepts of Karma:

• Four Types of Karma Bandha (Bondage): The text begins by defining the four fundamental aspects of karmic bondage:

  • Prakriti Bandha (Nature of Karma): The type or quality of karma that is bound.
  • Sthiti Bandha (Duration of Karma): The time period for which the karma remains bound.
  • Anubhaga Bandha (Intensity of Karma): The potency or effect of the karma.
  • Pradesha Bandha (Quantity of Karma): The amount or extent of karma that is bound.

• Classification of Karmas: The text systematically details the classification of karmas into eight main categories and then further breaks them down into numerous "uttara prakritis" (sub-types). This includes:

  • Jnanaavarana (Knowledge-obscuring karma): 5 types (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala).
  • Darshanavarana (Perception-obscuring karma): 9 types (Chakshu, Achakshu, Avadhi, Kevala Darshana, Nidra, Nidra-Nidra, Prachala, Prachala-Prachala, Sthyanagriddhi).
  • Vedaniya (Feeling-producing karma): 2 types (Sata - pleasant, Asata - unpleasant).
  • Mohaniya (Delusion-producing karma): 28 types, further divided into Darshan Mohaniya (3 types: Mithyatva, Samyak-Mithyatva, Samyak) and Charitra Mohaniya (25 types: 16 Kashaayas and 9 Nokashaayas).
  • Ayushya (Lifespan karma): 4 types (Naraka, Tiryanch, Manushya, Deva).
  • Nama Karma (Body-determining karma): 93 types detailing various aspects of physical form, senses, body types, senses, etc.
  • Gotra (Status-determining karma): 2 types (Uchcha - high status, Nricha - low status).
  • Antaraya (Obstruction karma): 5 types (Dana, Labha, Bhoga, Upbhoga, Virya).

Detailed Explanation of Karmic Natures (Prakritis):

The subsequent pages (pages 13-46) provide detailed descriptions of the nature and function of each of the karmic sub-types. This includes:

• Jnanaavarana: How these karmas obscure pure knowledge, leading to limitations in perception and intellect.
• Darshanavarana: How these karmas affect the ability to see and perceive, causing states like blindness, sleepiness, or deep slumber.
• Vedaniya: The experience of pleasure and pain resulting from Sata and Asata Vedaniya.
• Mohaniya: The role of Mithyatva, Samyak-Mithyatva, and Samyak Prakriti in creating false beliefs and delusions. The Kashaayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed) and Nokashaayas (laughter, attachment, aversion, sorrow, fear, disgust, gender types) are explained in detail, outlining their specific effects on an individual's character and actions.
• Ayushya: How these karmas determine the realm of rebirth (hell, animal kingdom, human, celestial).
• Nama Karma: The vast array of sub-types that shape the physical form, senses, lifespan, and characteristics of a being. Examples include body types, limb structures, sensory organs, colors, tastes, smells, touch, physical formations, sinews, bone structures, and even the capacity for breath and movement.
• Gotra: How one's family status and lineage are determined by Gotra karma.
• Antaraya: The hindrances to giving, obtaining, enjoying, consuming, and exercising strength.

Causes of Karma (Ashrav):

Pages 86-96 delve into the specific actions, thoughts, and speech (mind, speech, body) that lead to the influx of different types of karmas. These are explained with detailed examples of actions that lead to:

• Jnanaavarana: Ignorance, disrespect for knowledge and teachers, arrogance, and hindering the pursuit of knowledge.
• Darshanavarana: Seeing improper objects, following false paths, disrespecting righteous people, and engaging in harmful activities.
• Vedaniya: Experiencing pleasure or pain based on actions like kindness, compassion, violence, hatred, and attachment.
• Mohaniya: Attachment, aversion, anger, pride, deceit, greed, and other delusory states.
• Ayushya: Actions related to attachment to life, violence, self-control, piety, and spiritual practices.
• Nama Karma: Actions related to physical form, bodily functions, and species determination.
• Gotra: Actions related to pride, humility, seeking status, and associating with virtuous or ignoble individuals.
• Antaraya: Hindrances to giving, enjoyment, and the exercise of power, often stemming from miserliness or obstructionism.

Stages of Karma and Liberation:

• Bandha-Abandha (Bondage-Non-Bondage): Pages 47-55 discuss which karmic natures are bound and which are not bound at different stages of spiritual development (Gunasthana).
• Bandha-Vyucchitti (Cessation of Bondage): Pages 50-58 meticulously outline which karmic natures cease to be bound at each of the 14 Gunasthanas, illustrating the gradual shedding of karmic impurities.
• Sthiti Bandha (Duration of Karma): Pages 66-73 provide detailed tables of the maximum and minimum durations for which different karmas remain bound, expressed in units of Sagaropama (a vast measure of time).
• Anubhaga Bandha (Intensity of Karma): Pages 77-88 explain the intensity of karmic effects, distinguishing between "Sarvghati" (completely destructive of virtues) and "Deshghati" (partially destructive of virtues) karmas. The intensity is also categorized as supreme, average, and lowest.
• Pradesha Bandha (Quantity of Karma): Pages 82-85 explain the concept of Pradesha Bandha as the accumulation of subtle karmic particles in the soul's spatial expanse due to mental, verbal, and physical activities.
• Karma Kshaya (Cessation of Karma): Pages 104-113 detail the process of karma annihilation through the stages of spiritual progress (Gunasthanas), outlining which karmas are destroyed at each level, leading to eventual liberation.

Key Features and Emphasis:

• Didactic Approach: The text presents complex Jain philosophical concepts in a structured and explanatory manner.
• Detailed Classification: The meticulous breakdown of karmic natures provides a comprehensive understanding of the Jain karmic system.
• Emphasis on Causes and Effects: A significant portion is dedicated to explaining how specific actions lead to the influx and manifestation of different karmas.
• Spiritual Progression: The text links the cessation of karmic bondage to the progression through the 14 Gunasthanas, highlighting the path to liberation.
• Scholarly Work: The editorial notes (page 4) mention the challenging task of compiling the text from multiple manuscripts, indicating its scholarly nature.
• Commentary on Acharya Sakalkirti: Pages 8-12 provide biographical information about the author, Acharya Sakalkirti, highlighting his contributions to Jain literature and his spiritual stature.

In essence, "Karma Vipak" serves as a foundational text for understanding the Jain doctrine of karma, providing a detailed roadmap of how karmas are bound, their effects, and the path to their eradication for achieving ultimate liberation.