Karmagrantha Part 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karmagrantha Part 2" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Karmagrantha Part 2 (also referred to as Karmastav) Author: Shrimad Devendrasuri Commentators/Translators: Marudharakesari, Muni Shri Mishrimallji Maharaj, Shrichand Surana 'Saras', Devkumar Jain Publisher: Shri Marudharakesari Sahitya Prakashan Samiti, Jodhpur

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Karmagrantha Part 2" (Karmastav) is a significant work in Jain philosophy, focusing on the intricate and fundamental concept of karma. The text emphasizes that understanding the karmasiddhanta (theory of karma) is the key to comprehending the entirety of Jain philosophy, which is based on the soul (atma). Karma explains the soul's various states, its true nature, and the transformations it undergoes. This particular volume, the second part of the larger "Karmagrantha" series (which has six parts), delves into the specific manifestations of karma in relation to the Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development).

Core Concepts Explained:

The book's central theme is the soul's journey through various stages of spiritual evolution, marked by the binding (bandh), manifestation (uday), emission (udirana), and persistence (satta) of karmic substances. The text aims to make this profound subject accessible to a wider audience through detailed explanations, commentary, and the inclusion of relevant scriptural verses (gathas).

Key Sections and Their Content:

1. Introduction and Editorial Remarks:

   • The karmasiddhanta is presented as the cornerstone of Jain philosophy, providing insights into the soul's state and changes.
   • "Karmagrantha" is highlighted as a crucial text for studying karma, with its Sanskrit commentaries and Gujarati translations being valuable.
   • The current Hindi edition is presented as a modernized and accessible exposition, inspired by the guidance of Gurudev Marudharakesariji Maharaj and the efforts of scholars like Shrichand Surana 'Saras' and Devkumarji Jain.
   • The editors express gratitude to all who contributed and request forgiveness for any errors.

2. Publisher's Note:

   • The Marudharakesari Sahitya Prakashan Samiti's objective is to publish Jain literature.
   • The "Karmagrantha" series, which comprehensively covers Jain metaphysics across its six parts, is presented as a long-awaited and significant publication.
   • This is the second volume to be released, following the first part.

3. Foreword/Introduction (from a scholar):

   • The soul (atma) is the foundation of Jain thought. It is inherently pure and blissful but is currently in impure states due to karma.
   • Karma is identified as the cause of the soul's transmigration, suffering, and entrapment in the cycle of birth and death.
   • Unlike other philosophies that might attribute worldly diversity to God, Jainism attributes it solely to karma.
   • Karma, though material (pudgala), gains immense power through the soul's attachment (raag) and aversion (dvesh).
   • The text explains that while ancient Jain scriptures (agamas) and later works offer detailed expositions of karma, they are often in Prakrit or Sanskrit, making them difficult for ordinary seekers.
   • The "Karmagrantha" by Shrimad Devendrasuri is a six-part work that systematically covers karma, gunasthanas, margaṇas, and other core Jain principles.
   • The current publication aims to fulfill the long-standing request of devotees for a new, engaging exposition of this profound subject.

4. Outline of Jain Karma Theory and Purpose of the Second Part:

   • The first part of "Karmastav" (Karmavipaka) likely introduced the primary and secondary karmic categories and their quantitative aspects.
   • This second part, "Karmastav," focuses on the aptitude (yogyata) of the soul in various stages (Gunasthanas) for the binding, manifestation, emission, and persistence of these karmic categories.

5. Methodology and the Concept of Gunasthanas:

   • Since the soul's karmic aptitudes are countless and ever-changing, Jainism classifies beings based on their internal purity and impurity into Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual development).
   • These fourteen Gunasthanas represent the progressive stages of soul purification, moving from the lowest to the highest spiritual state.
   • The progression through Gunasthanas is primarily determined by the weakening or strengthening of Mohaniya Karma (delusion-causing karma), which has two main aspects: Darshan Mohaniya (delusion about right perception) and Charitra Mohaniya (delusion about right conduct).
   • The text explains the nature of these stages, starting from Mithyatva (utter delusion) to Sayogi Kevali (soul with residual karmic matter but omniscient) and Ayogi Kevali (pure, liberated soul).
   • It also briefly discusses similar concepts of spiritual stages in other Indian philosophies (Yoga Vashistha, Yoga Sutras, Buddhism, Ajivika) to highlight the Jain contribution.

6. Detailed Exposition of the Fourteen Gunasthanas:

   • The text systematically explains each of the fourteen Gunasthanas, detailing:
     • Names: (e.g., Mithyatva, Sasvadana, Mishra, Avirata, Deshavirata, Pramattasamyata, Apramattasamyata, Apurvakaraṇa, Anivrittivadaraparāy, Sukshmasamparāya, Upashantakashaya-Vitaraaga-Chaddmastha, Ksheenakashaya-Vitaraaga-Chaddmastha, Sayogi Kevali, Ayogi Kevali).
     • Definitions and Characteristics: Explaining the nature of the soul's consciousness, delusions, attachments, and conduct at each stage.
     • Karmic Activities (Bandh, Uday, Udiraṇa, Satta): Crucially, it details which karmic predispositions (out of the 120/122/148 categories) are possible to be bound, manifest, emitted, or persist at each Gunasthana, and importantly, which ones cease (vichhed) to be bound or manifested at the end of certain stages.
     • Specifics on Karma Categories: It elaborates on the conditions and reasons for the cessation of specific karmic tendencies (e.g., why Tirthankar Karma is bound only in certain stages, why certain ayus cease to be bound at particular points).
     • Causes of Transition: The text explains the role of kashayas (passions) and their weakening in the progression through Gunasthanas.

7. Specifics on Karmic Activities:

   • Bandh (Binding): The text details the number of karmic categories possible to be bound at each Gunasthana, explaining which specific categories cease to be bound (bandh-vichhed) at the end of each stage and why (e.g., due to the cessation of certain passions or the requirement of specific qualifications). It lists the 120 primary karmic categories.
   • Uday (Manifestation): Similarly, it describes the number of karmic categories that can manifest (give their results) at each stage, explaining which ones stop manifesting (uday-vichhed). It notes 122 karmic categories are subject to manifestation.
   • Udiraṇa (Emission): This refers to bringing forth the results of karma before its scheduled time. The text explains that udiraṇa is generally similar to uday but has slight differences in the number of active categories, particularly in higher Gunasthanas.
   • Satta (Persistence): This refers to the state of karmic matter existing with the soul, even if it's not currently manifesting or being bound. The text discusses the number of persistent karmic categories at each stage, often differentiating between sādhava-sattā (actual persistence) and sambhav-sattā (potential persistence). It highlights the reduction in persistent karmic matter as the soul ascends the Gunasthanas.

8. Concluding Remarks and Appendices:

   • The text concludes with a prayer and a call to meditate on Lord Mahavir, who has transcended all karmas.
   • The appendices provide detailed tables and explanations (yantras) for bandh, uday, udiraṇa, and satta across the Gunasthanas. They also include explanations on time calculations (kalagana) in Jain perspective, comparative doctrines, and descriptions of specific karmic categories and their causes.

Key Takeaways:

• Systematic Approach: The book provides a systematic and detailed breakdown of karmic activities in relation to the soul's spiritual journey.
• Gunasthanas as a Framework: The fourteen Gunasthanas serve as the organizational framework for understanding the intricate interplay between karma and spiritual progress.
• Cessation of Karma: A significant aspect is the explanation of when and why certain karmic tendencies cease to be bound or manifest as the soul purifies itself.
• Accessibility: The effort is made to present complex philosophical concepts in a clear and accessible manner for the common seeker.
• Foundation for Liberation: The understanding of karma as detailed in this text is crucial for the Jain path to liberation (moksha), which involves the complete eradication of all karmic bonds.

In essence, "Karmagrantha Part 2" is a foundational text for understanding the mechanics of karma within the Jain spiritual framework, mapping out the soul's progress and the changing karmic landscape through the stages of spiritual development.