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Karmagrantha Part 3

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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Summary

The book "Karmagrantha Part 3" (Karmagrantha Part 3: Bandhasvamitva) by Devendrasuri, Shreechand Surana, and Devkumar Jain Shastri, published by Marudharkesari Sahitya Prakashan Samiti, Jodhpur, is a significant work within Jain philosophy, focusing on the complex doctrine of karma. This third volume, titled "Bandhasvamitva" (Dominion of Bondage), elaborates on how different modes of existence and spiritual stages influence the bondage of karma.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided text:

Core Concept: Karma Theory in Jainism

The book is fundamentally about the Jain theory of karma, which is presented as the key to understanding Jain philosophy. Karma is identified as the root cause of the soul's transmigration and suffering, even though the soul itself is inherently pure. Jainism posits that karma is not an external force but rather a type of subtle matter (pudgala) that adheres to the soul due to the soul's passions (like attachment and aversion). This material karma then shapes the soul's experiences and future births.

The Significance of "Karmagrantha"

The "Karmagrantha" series is highly esteemed in Jain literature. It aims to systematically explain the entirety of Jain metaphysics and the soul's journey. The series is considered essential for understanding concepts like the states of the soul (Jivasthana), the stages of spiritual development (Gunasthana), and the various migratory paths (Margana).

Volume 3: "Bandhasvamitva" - Focus on Margana and Karma Bondage

This specific volume, "Bandhasvamitva," delves into the intricate relationship between Margana (modes of existence or migratory paths) and the Bandha (bondage) of karmic substances.

  • Margana (Modes of Existence/Migration): The text explains that Marganas are classifications that describe the diverse states and characteristics of souls in the universe. These are based on both external (physical) and internal (mental, spiritual) factors. The book identifies 14 primary Marganas:

    1. Gati (State of Existence: Hellish, Terrestrial, Human, Divine)
    2. Indriya (Senses: One-sensed to Five-sensed)
    3. Kaya (Body-Types: Earth-bodied, Water-bodied, Fire-bodied, Air-bodied, Vegetation-bodied, Living beings)
    4. Yoga (Activities of Mind, Speech, and Body)
    5. Veda (Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neutral)
    6. Kashaya (Passions: Anger, Pride, Deceit, Greed)
    7. Jnana (Knowledge: Sensory, Scriptural, Clairvoyant, Mind-reading, Omniscient)
    8. Samyama (Self-control: Different levels of restraint)
    9. Darshana (Perception: Sensory, Clairvoyant, Omniscient)
    10. Leshya (Subtle Karmic Aura: Colors representing mental states)
    11. Bhavya (Potential for Liberation)
    12. Samyaktva (Right Faith/Perception)
    13. Samjnin (Consciousness/Mind)
    14. Ahara (Nourishment/Absorption of Matter)

  • Bandhasvamitva (Dominion of Bondage): The core of this volume is to explain, within each Margana and its sub-categories, how many and which types of karmic influxes (Prakritis) a soul binds, and under which Gunasthanas (stages of spiritual progress). It details the specific karmic tendencies and capacities associated with each migratory state and spiritual level.

Key Themes and Content:

  1. Distinction between Margana and Gunasthana: The text clarifies that Marganas describe the varied external and internal states of souls, while Gunasthanas describe the progressive stages of spiritual development through the purification of the soul. Marganas are often simultaneous states, while Gunasthanas are sequential.
  2. Causality of Worldly Diversity: The book explores the reasons behind the diversity observed in the universe and beings. It critically examines various philosophical viewpoints like time-determinism (Kalavada), natural disposition (Svabhavavada), fate (Niyatavada), chance (Yadrcchavada), and theism (Ishvaravada), ultimately affirming the Jain perspective that karma, driven by the soul's passions, is the primary cause.
  3. Detailed Analysis of Bondage: The volume meticulously details the number of karmic Prakritis (out of the total 148 or 120, depending on classification) that can be bound by souls in different Marganas and Gunasthanas. This includes explaining which karmas are bound, not bound (Avandha), bound again (Punahbandha), or whose bondage ceases (Bandha-viccheda) at certain stages.
  4. Examples of Specific Analysis:
    • Hellish Beings (Naraka-gati): The text details the number of karmas bound by hellish beings in different hellish realms and across the four possible Gunasthanas available to them. It highlights which karmas are not bound due to the specific conditions of hellish existence.
    • Terrestrial Beings (Tiryancha-gati): Similar detailed analyses are provided for various types of terrestrial beings, including the differences between sufficient and insufficient beings, and how their karmic bondage varies with spiritual progress.
    • Human and Divine Beings (Manushya-gati, Deva-gati): The book also covers the complexities of karma bondage for humans and celestial beings, considering their specific Marganas and Gunasthanas.
    • Other Marganas: The text systematically covers the remaining Marganas like different senses, body-types, yogas, passions, knowledge types, restraints, perceptions, leshyas, bhavya status, samyaktva, and consciousness, explaining their specific karmic bondage profiles.
  5. The Role of Gunasthana: For each Margana, the text often refers back to the Gunasthanas as described in the second volume (Karmastav) to explain the variations in karmic bondage. The 14 Gunasthanas are central to understanding the soul's progress from the lowest state of delusion to the highest state of omniscience.
  6. Comparative Study (Appendices): The appendices highlight a comparative study of Jain karma literature, especially noting similarities and differences between Shvetambara and Digambara traditions on various points, particularly concerning Margana and karma bondage. This section is crucial for understanding the nuances and historical development of Jain karma theory.
  7. Appendices: The book includes several valuable appendices:
    • Brief Introduction to Jain Karma Literature.
    • Original Gathas (verses) from Karmagrantha Parts 1 to 3.
    • A concise glossary of terms.
    • Analysis of karma bondage, Udaya (manifestation), Udïrana (hastening manifestation), and Satta (dormancy) in various Marganas.
    • Comparative views of Shvetambara and Digambara karma literature.
    • Diagrams or charts (Yantra) illustrating karma bondage in Marganas.

Overall Purpose:

"Karmagrantha Part 3: Bandhasvamitva" aims to provide a detailed and systematic understanding of how the soul's karmic bondage is influenced by its specific circumstances of existence (Margana) and its spiritual progress (Gunasthana). This knowledge is essential for followers seeking liberation, as it illuminates the path to overcome karmic impurities and achieve the soul's inherent bliss and omniscience. The text is dense with specific numbers and classifications, reflecting the detailed analytical approach of Jain philosophy.