Karmanu Computer Part 1 - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Karmanu Computer Part 1" by Meghdarshanvijay, published by Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal, is a comprehensive exploration of Jain karma theory. The book delves into the nature of karma, its various classifications, and how it influences our lives.

Here's a summary of the key themes and concepts presented in the provided pages:

1. The Nature of Karma:

Karma as the Driving Force: The text emphasizes that karma is the underlying cause for all events, actions, and experiences in the universe, not God. It likens karma to a computer that continuously calculates and delivers consequences based on our actions.
The Soul's Journey: The soul is described as inherently pure, but it becomes stained and its true nature is obscured by the karmas that attach to it. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by shedding these karmas.
The Analogy of the Magnet: The soul is compared to a magnet that, through its passions (like attachment and aversion), attracts karmic particles, similar to how a magnet attracts iron filings. When these passions cease, the soul becomes free from karmic attraction and achieves its pure state.

2. The Four "Doors" to Karma:

The text identifies four primary internal factors that lead to the influx of karma:

Mithyatva (Delusion/False Belief): This is presented as the root cause of karma. It's characterized by a lack of appreciation for truth and a bias towards falsehood, leading to the attachment of significant karmic matter.
Avirati (Non-restraint/Lack of Vows): This refers to the absence of adherence to spiritual disciplines and vows, allowing for uncontrolled desires and actions that attract more karma.
Kashaya (Passions/Negative Emotions): Anger, pride, deceit, and greed are identified as major internal drivers of karma, creating turmoil within the soul.
Yoga (Activity of Mind, Speech, and Body): While yoga can be positive, it's also the mechanism through which actions are performed, leading to karmic bondage, whether the actions are virtuous or otherwise.

3. The Eight Types of Karma:

The book systematically explains the eight primary types of karma, often using analogies to make them understandable:

Gnanavarniya Karma (Knowledge-obscuring Karma): Likened to blindfolding the eyes, this karma obstructs the soul's innate infinite knowledge.
Darshanavarniya Karma (Perception-obscuring Karma): Compared to a gatekeeper, this karma hinders the soul's innate infinite perception.
Vedaniya Karma (Feeling-producing Karma): Described as a honey-coated sword, this karma brings about experiences of both pleasure and pain, often with the underlying suffering of impermanence and attachment.
Mohaniya Karma (Delusion-producing Karma): This karma is compared to intoxication, causing delusion, attachment, and aversion, leading to distorted views of reality.
Ayushya Karma (Life-determining Karma): Seen as a binding chain, this karma determines the lifespan and the type of birth an entity will experience.
Nam Karma (Name/Body-determining Karma): This karma is likened to a painter, shaping the physical form and characteristics of an individual.
Gotra Karma (Status-determining Karma): Compared to a potter's wheel, this karma influences one's social standing and lineage, determining whether one is born into a high or low status.
Antaraya Karma (Obstruction-creating Karma): This is depicted as a treasurer, blocking the flow of benefits, wealth, strength, and knowledge.

4. Detailed Explanation of Specific Karmas (Examples):

Gnanavarniya Karma: The text elaborates on how this karma affects memory, intellect, and the ability to learn. It includes illustrative stories of monks and individuals struggling with memory loss or lack of understanding due to this karma, and the importance of respecting knowledge and its sources.
Darshanavarniya Karma: This section discusses how this karma affects perception, leading to conditions like blindness, deafness, or the inability to experience joy or sorrow correctly. It emphasizes the negative consequences of disrespecting or mocking those with disabilities.
Vedaniya Karma: The book delves into the dual nature of this karma, bringing both pleasant and unpleasant experiences, and illustrates this with stories of individuals experiencing extreme fortune and misfortune, often due to past actions.
Mohaniya Karma: This karma is extensively discussed, highlighting its role in creating illusions, attachments, and delusions. It explains how desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed are fueled by this karma, using stories like that of the train journey to illustrate the concept of "bhranti" (illusion).
Ayushya Karma: The text explains how this karma determines the duration and nature of one's life across different realms (heaven, hell, animal, human). It discusses the concept of "sopakrama" (karma ripening prematurely) and "nirupakrama" (karma ripening at its scheduled time).
Nam Karma: This karma is explained as the force that shapes one's physical form and characteristics, covering everything from skin color and voice to the number of senses and the very nature of one's body. It highlights the immense variety of life forms as a result of this karma.
Gotra Karma: This karma determines one's social standing and lineage, classifying individuals into "high" and "low" categories, often illustrated through stories of pride leading to downfall.
Antaraya Karma: This karma creates obstacles in achieving one's desires, whether it's the inability to give charity, gain wealth, enjoy pleasures, or utilize one's full potential. Stories illustrate how even the most powerful individuals can be thwarted by this karma.

5. The "Eight Rays" and "Four Types of Karmic Bondage":

The text introduces the concept of "eight rays" (likely referring to the eight types of karma) and the "four types of karmic bondage," which are explained in detail throughout the subsequent chapters.

6. The Concept of "Karan" (Causes/Actions):

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to explaining the "eight karanas" that influence how karma ripens and how its effects can be modified. These include:

Bandhanakaran (Bonding): The initial act of karmic attachment.
Sankramanakaran (Transformation): The ability to change the nature, time, or intensity of karma through subsequent actions and intentions.
Udirnana-kriya (Ripening/Bringing Forth): Actively bringing karma to fruition, often prematurely.
Uddvartana-kriya (Intensification): Increasing the potency or duration of karma.
Apavartana-kriya (Mitigation): Reducing the intensity or duration of karma.
Upashama-kriya (Suppression): Temporarily pacifying the effects of karma.
Niddhatta-kriya: Karma that has reached a state where its effects cannot be altered.
Nikaachnana-kriya: Karma that is immutable and must be experienced as it is.

7. The "Golden Period":

The text emphasizes the "golden period" of karma, which refers to the "shantikal" (period of dormancy) of karma. It is during this dormant phase that the soul, through dedicated spiritual practice and positive actions, can influence the ripening, intensity, and even the very nature of the karma. This highlights the Jain emphasis on free will and the power of human endeavor in shaping one's destiny.

8. The Importance of Right Faith, Conduct, and Knowledge:

Across the explanations of various karmas, the text consistently points to the importance of:

Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): Understanding the true nature of reality and accepting Jain principles.
Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living according to ethical principles and vows.
Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Acquiring and practicing spiritual knowledge.

The book uses numerous stories and analogies from Jain scriptures and traditions to illustrate these complex concepts, making the intricate philosophy of karma accessible and relatable. It serves as a guide for individuals seeking to understand their past actions and to cultivate virtuous behavior for a better future and ultimate liberation.