Karmagranthashatkavchurni - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karmagranthashatkavchurni" by Gunratnasuri and Mahabodhivijay, based on the provided text and catalog link:

Title: Karmagranthashatkavchurni (कर्मग्रन्थषट्कावचूर्णिः)

Author(s): Gunratnasuri (गुणरत्नसूरि), Mahabodhivijay (महाबोधिविजय)

Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust (श्रीजिनशासन आराधना ट्रस्ट)

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090238/1

Overview:

The "Karmagranthashatkavchurni" is a commentary (Churni) by Acharya Shri Gunratnasuri on a set of six important Jain texts related to Karma, originally composed by Acharya Shri Devendrasuri. The text delves into the intricacies of Jain philosophy concerning karma, explaining its nature, types, bondage, manifestation, and eventual liberation. The work is presented by Jinshasan Aradhana Trust and was researched and edited by Muni Shri Akshay Bodhivijayji, a disciple of Munishri Akshay Bodhivijayji, and Muni Mahabodhi Vijay.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Five Causes of Action (Pancha Karana): The introduction (Prastavana) highlights that while various philosophical traditions (like Chandidas, Tulsidas, Mahabharata, Ashvaghosha, Subhashitakar) emphasize different primary causes for events (like effort, destiny, nature, fate), Jainism uniquely acknowledges all five causes (Karma, Destiny/Kalan, Effort/Purusharth, Nature/Swabhav, and Inevitability/Niyati) behind every action. However, the text focuses on Karma (Karm) as the primary factor, explaining why seemingly similar situations lead to different outcomes for individuals.
The Universality and Impersonality of Karma: The text stresses that the laws of karma govern the universe and all beings within it. These laws are described as having no exceptions, no partiality, and no leniency, even for the highest beings like Tirthankaras. The principle of "no one else can bear another's karma" (जेण जेण बंधियो सेण सेण भोवइ) is emphasized, highlighting the individual accountability for one's actions.
Types and Aspects of Karma: The text explains that karma can be auspicious (Shubh) or inauspicious (Ashubh). Both types are ultimately binding, like chains made of gold or iron, and must be transcended for liberation. To achieve freedom from karma's bondage, one needs to understand its various classifications, states, durations, flavors, and regions, as well as the processes of bondage, manifestation (Uday), acceleration (Udirana), and latent state (Satta).
Karma in Global Philosophy: The introduction acknowledges that apart from atheistic (Chavak/Nastika) schools, all other global philosophies, even if seemingly monistic, accept the concept of karma in various forms (Maya, Avidya, Prakriti in Vedanta; Apurva in Mimamsa; Vasana in Buddhism; Ashay in Yoga and Sankhya; Adrishta, Samskara in Nyaya and Vaisheshika; Bhagya, Punya, Papa in general usage). However, the text asserts that Jainism offers the most detailed and profound analysis of karma, including the concept of Gun Sthanas (stages of spiritual development).
Jain Sources on Karma: The text traces the study of karma in Jainism back to the fourteen Purvas, specifically mentioning the second (Acharyapravan), fifth (Jnanapravad), and eighth (Karmapravad) Purvas. While these are no longer extant, current knowledge of karma is derived from the Anga and Upanga Sutras (like Bhagavati Sutra, Jivajivabhigam Sutra, Pannavana Sutra), Mula Sutras (like Uttaradhyayan Sutra, Avasyak Niyukti), ancient texts (like Karmaprakriti, Panch Sangrah, Kashay Pahud, Pakhandagam), and modern works (like Karmasiddhi, Bandh Vidhan).
The Six Karmagranthas: The publication focuses on the commentary on the five Navya (new) Karmagranthas and the sixth Karmagrantha, known as Saptatika Prakaran.
- Origin of Navya Karmagranthas: Acharya Shri Devendrasuri composed his five Karmagranthas based on earlier works by Acharyas like Shri Shivasharma Suri and others. These earlier works came to be known as the Prachina (ancient) Karmagranthas.
- Titles of the Five Prachina Karmagranthas: Karmavipaka (कर्मविपाक), Karmastav (कर्मस्तत्र), Bandhasvamitva (बन्धस्वामित्व), Shdashiiti (षडशीति), and Shatak (शतक).
- Content of the Six Works:
  1. Karmavipaka (कर्मविपाक): Describes the eight types of karma (Jnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, etc.), their sub-types, and their effects (Vipak or fruit) with examples.
  2. Karmastav (कर्मस्तत्र): Explains the fourteen Gun Sthanas (stages of spiritual progress) in the context of praising Bhagwan Mahavir. It details which karmic natures (from Karmavipaka) are bound, manifest, accelerated, and in a latent state at each stage.
  3. Bandhasvamitva (बन्धस्वामित्व): Discusses the ownership of karma bondage concerning beings in different Gati (states of existence) and Marganasthanas (paths of investigation).
  4. Shdashiiti (षडशीति): Critically analyzes five aspects: Jiva Sthana, Marga Sthana, Guna Sthana, Bhava, and Sankhya. It details specific subjects like Gati, Yoga, Upayoga, Leshya, Bandha, Uday, Udirana, and Satta within these contexts.
  5. Shatak (शतक): Categorizes karmic natures as permanent or impermanent in bondage, manifestation, latency, and describes them as auspicious or inauspicious, and as gati-vibhagi (related to states of existence) or pudgal-vibhagi (related to matter). It also explains the four types of bondage (Prakriti, Sthiti, Ras, Pradesha) with the analogy of Modak (sweet).
  6. Saptatika Prakaran (सप्ततिका प्रकरण): This work, comprising 70 Gathas (though the number varies in manuscripts), explains the forms of Bandha, Uday, Satta, and Prakriti in relation to the fourteen Purvas, specifically the second Aagrayani Purva.
Commentary by Gunratnasuri: The present publication includes the Avachurni (commentary) by Acharya Shri Gunratnasuri on these five Navya Karmagranthas and the Saptatika Prakaran. The Avachurni is noted for its conciseness and clarity, building upon earlier commentaries. Gunratnasuri's work is highly valued and has been widely influential.
Biographical Information: The preface provides details about the lineage and life of Acharya Shri Devendrasuri, the composer of the original five Karmagranthas, and Acharya Shri Gunratnasuri, the commentator. It mentions their teachers, disciples, significant contributions, and the historical context of their activities. It also notes the availability of extensive commentary literature in Sanskrit and Gujarati for these works.
Compilation and Editorial Process: The preface details the manuscripts used for the edition, the editorial methods employed (including critical notes and explanations), and expresses gratitude to various individuals and institutions for their support. A Shuddhipatraka (errata) is also provided.

Overall Significance:

The "Karmagranthashatkavchurni" serves as a crucial guide to understanding the complex and fundamental doctrine of karma in Jainism. It clarifies the Jain perspective on the causes and consequences of actions, the workings of the karmic cycle, and the path to liberation from this cycle. The commentary by Gunratnasuri makes the profound teachings of Devendrasuri accessible and understandable to a wider audience, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Jain knowledge.