Karmanu Computer Part 2 3 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karmanu Computer Part 2 & 3" by Meghdarshanvijay, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Karmanu Computer Part 2 & 3 Author: Meghdarshanvijay (disciple of P. P. Shri Chandrashekhar V. M. Saheb) Publisher: Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrutirakshak Dal Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008957/1

Overall Theme:

The text "Karmanu Computer" (Karma's Computer) is a spiritual and educational work that aims to explain the complex concepts of Jain karma theory in a simplified and relatable manner, using modern analogies like a "computer" to illustrate how karma functions. It delves into the nature, types, and effects of various karmas, guiding the reader towards understanding the causes of suffering and happiness and the path to liberation.

Summary of Key Concepts and Chapters:

The book is structured into various chapters, each focusing on a specific type of karma or a related concept. The summary below covers the essential points from the provided text:

Introduction to Karma (Pages 1-6):

Metaphorical Explanation of Karmas: Page 1 uses simple metaphors to explain the function of the eight main karmas:
- Jnanavaraniya Karma (Knowledge-obscuring): Like blindfolding the eyes.
- Darshanavaraniya Karma (Perception-obscuring): Like a guard at the door.
- Mohaniya Karma (Delusion): Like intoxicating liquor.
- Aayushya Karma (Lifespan): Like the duration of stay.
- Namakarman (Merit/Demerit of form): Like the carpenter.
- Gotra Karma (Status): Like the lineage or family.
- Vedaniya Karma (Feeling): Like pleasure and pain.
- Antaraya Karma (Obstruction): Like a treasurer or obstacle.
Karma as a Computer: The author explains that karma is like a computer that records our actions and provides results based on them.
The Role of God vs. Karma: The text emphasizes that God is not a creator or punisher. The universe operates according to the laws of karma. Our experiences of happiness and sorrow are the results of our own past actions (karma).
The Nature of Karma: Karmas are described as inert (jad) substances that can influence the soul (chetana) and its qualities. Analogies are drawn with substances like alcohol, spectacles, and medicine affecting the body and senses.
Eight Main Karmas: The text lists and briefly explains the eight main karmas:
1. Jnanavaraniya Karma (Knowledge-obscuring)
2. Darshanavaraniya Karma (Perception-obscuring)
3. Vedaniya Karma (Feeling)
4. Mohaniya Karma (Delusion)
5. Aayushya Karma (Lifespan)
6. Namakarman (Form)
7. Gotra Karma (Status)
8. Antaraya Karma (Obstruction)
Soul's True Nature: The soul possesses infinite qualities like infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, etc. These karmas act like clouds obscuring the sun (the soul), generating darkness (negative qualities).
Mnemonic for Eight Karmas: A humorous sentence is provided to help remember the eight karmas.

Detailed Explanation of Specific Karmas:

Jnanavaraniya Karma (Pages 7-16):
- Nature: Obscures the soul's inherent quality of infinite knowledge. It makes the soul ignorant and foolish.
- Types: Classified into five types based on the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Keval).
- Metaphor: Compared to blindfolding someone who can see.
- Examples of Mati-Jnan: Distinguishes between Shrut-nishrit (knowledge based on scriptures) and Ashrut-nishrit (intuitive knowledge). Examples include the doctor diagnosing a case based on medical knowledge, and the mother-in-law using a matchstick to reposition the baby. Abhaykumar's intelligence is highlighted as an example of an unusual, intuitive (autpātiki) knowledge.
- Karma Bandhan: Explains how attachment (raag) and aversion (dvesh) lead to binding karma.
- Overcoming Jnanavaraniya: Emphasizes the importance of penance, repentance, and avoiding actions that obscure knowledge (e.g., disrespecting knowledge or scholars). The story of a monk struggling to memorize verses due to past karma illustrates the difficulty and the need for perseverance.
- Examples of Ashrut-nishrit Mati-Jnan: Includes examples like Abhaykumar's intelligence in solving problems, the wisdom of elders based on experience, and the knowledge gained from respecting gurus (Vainayiki Buddhi).
Darshanavaraniya Karma (Pages 27-34):
- Nature: Obscures the soul's inherent quality of infinite perception (Darshan). It affects the ability to see or perceive.
- Metaphor: Compared to a doorkeeper preventing the king (soul) from seeing.
- Types: Classified into five types related to the five types of perception (Chakshu, Achakshu, Avadhi, Keval) and five related to sleep and its variations (Nidra, Nidranidra, Prachala, Prachala-prachala, Styanardhi).
- Impact: Affects sensory perception, causing blindness, deafness, speechlessness, or excessive sleep.
- Examples: Explains how each type of Darshanavaraniya karma impacts the senses and the state of consciousness.
- Avoiding Karma Bandhan: Emphasizes respecting elders, speaking gently, avoiding the misuse of senses, and maintaining equanimity.
- Reincarnation and Karma: Illustrates how actions, like disrespecting or mocking others, can lead to suffering and rebirth in forms that reflect those actions.
Vedaniya Karma (Pages 35-38):
- Nature: Responsible for the experiences of pleasure (Shata Vedaniya) and pain (Ashata Vedaniya).
- Analogy: Compared to a sword with honey smeared on it – attractive but ultimately harmful.
- The Illusion of Worldly Happiness: The text argues that worldly pleasures are fleeting and ultimately lead to pain due to attachment, worry about loss, and the pain of separation.
- The King's Dilemma: An anecdote about a king worried about his death and his attachment to worldly pleasures and queens, highlighting the transient nature of such happiness.
- Karma's Role: Reinforces that it is karma, not God, that dictates our experiences of happiness and sorrow.
- Seeking True Happiness: True happiness lies in detachment and spiritual practices, not in worldly pursuits that ultimately lead to suffering.
Mohaniya Karma (Pages 39-46):
- Nature: The most dangerous karma, responsible for delusion, attachment, aversion, and the perception of the world as pleasant when it is inherently painful. It clouds judgment and leads to wrong beliefs.
- Impact: Makes the soul bound to the cycle of birth and death by creating illusions and false perceptions.
- Types: Divided into two main categories:
  - Darshan Mohaniya Karma (Perception Delusion): Affects right belief and understanding. Its sub-types are Mithyatva (wrong belief), Mishr (mixed), and Samyaktva (right belief).
  - Charitra Mohaniya Karma (Conduct Delusion): Affects right conduct and behavior.
- Kashayas and Nokashayas: Explains how the four Kashayas (Anger, Pride, Deceit, Greed) and nine Nokashayas (laughter, grief, fear, etc.) are manifestations of Mohaniya Karma.
- Story of Maheshvardatta: A detailed story illustrating the cycles of birth and rebirth driven by Mohaniya Karma, showing how attachment and delusion lead to bizarre and painful situations across lifetimes.
- Path to Liberation: Emphasizes overcoming Mohaniya Karma through right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Aayushya Karma (Pages 84-96):
- Nature: Determines the lifespan of a soul in a particular existence. It binds the soul to a specific body for a set period.
- Analogy: Compared to a prison sentence or a bond.
- No Godly Intervention: Death is not caused by external forces like "Yamaraj" but by the completion of the allotted lifespan (Aayushya Karma).
- Types: Four types corresponding to the four realms of existence: Deva (heavenly), Manushya (human), Tiryanch (animal/lower), and Naraka (hellish) Aayushya Karma.
- Upakrama (Factors shortening lifespan): Discusses factors like intense attachment (raag), fear (bhay), certain ailments, accidents, and self-inflicted harm (suicide) that can prematurely cut short a lifespan (Sophakrama Aayushya).
- Nirupakrama Aayushya: Lifespan that runs its full course without external interference.
- Karma Binding: Explains that the lifespan for the next birth is bound during the current life, and this binding occurs at specific stages of life.
- Importance of Present Moment: Stresses the need to be mindful and righteous in every moment, as the present moment is where karma is bound for the future.
Namakarman (Pages 106-148):
- Nature: Responsible for the physical form and characteristics of a being, including the type of body, senses, lifespan, complexion, smell, taste, touch, and movement. It is like the "designer" of the physical manifestation.
- Complexity of Creation: Highlights the intricate and perfect design of the human body, questioning who or what is responsible for such a marvel. It dismisses divine creation or parental creation as the sole cause.
- Karma as the Designer: Identifies Namakarman as the force behind these physical attributes.
- Types of Namakarman:
  - Gati Namakarman (Realm of Birth): Determines rebirth into Dev, Human, Tiryanch, or Naraka realms.
  - Jati Namakarman (Species/Class): Determines the number of senses (one-sensed to five-sensed) and specific species within realms.
  - Sharira Namakarman (Body Types): Accounts for the five types of bodies (Audārika, Vaikriya, Āhārika, Taijasa, Kārmana).
  - Angopanga Namakarman (Limbs and Organs): Shapes the limbs and organs within the body.
  - Samghātana Namakarman: Gathers the necessary subtle matter (pudgals) to form the body.
  - Bandhana Namakarman: Binds together the old and new molecules to form a cohesive body.
  - Samvahan Namakarman: Determines the strength or weakness of the body's structure (bones).
  - Samsthāna Namakarman: Determines the overall shape and form of the body.
  - Varna Namakarman: Determines the color of the body.
  - Gandha Namakarman: Determines the smell of the body.
  - Rasa Namakarman: Determines the taste of the body.
  - Sparsha Namakarman: Determines the touch (texture) of the body.
  - Vihāyogati Namakarman: Governs movement and locomotion.
  - Ānupūrvī Namakarman: Guides the soul's journey and transitions between births.
- Examples: The text provides numerous examples for each type, such as how different karmas influence the body's appearance, strength, form, and even the subtle differences between individuals. The story of the king and his minister illustrates the workings of Samsthāna karma.
Gotra Karma (Pages 117-118):
- Nature: Determines the social status or lineage of a being in the cycle of rebirth.
- Types: Classified into Uchcha Gotra (high status) and Nichha Gotra (low status).
- Impact: Influences how one is perceived and treated in society, regardless of their inherent qualities.
- Avoiding Nichha Gotra: Emphasizes cultivating virtues like humility, respect for elders and spiritual guides, adherence to Jain principles, and avoiding pride and criticism of others to bind Uchcha Gotra karma.
Antaraya Karma (Pages 119-126):
- Nature: Obstruction karma, which blocks the manifestation of the soul's inherent abilities, particularly the five Lābdhis (gifts/powers).
- Types: Five types:
  1. Dāna Antarāya (Obstruction to Charity)
  2. Lābha Antarāya (Obstruction to Gain)
  3. Bhoga Antarāya (Obstruction to Enjoyment of things used once)
  4. Upabhoga Antarāya (Obstruction to Enjoyment of things used multiple times)
  5. Virya Antarāya (Obstruction to Energy/Strength)
- Impact: Leads to stinginess, inability to gain wealth or benefit, inability to enjoy possessions, lack of physical or mental strength, and general obstruction in life's endeavors.
- Overcoming Obstructions: The text suggests that performing acts of charity, generosity, supporting spiritual endeavors, and cultivating virtues like equanimity can help weaken and eventually eliminate Antaraya Karma.
Specific Namakarmas (Pages 126-148):
- Samvahan/Samghātana: Responsible for binding together the physical components of the body.
- Bandhana: Joins the old and new matter to form a cohesive body.
- Anupūrvī: Guides the soul's journey and transitions between births, determining the path and any necessary turns.
- Tirthankar Namakarman: A highly meritorious karma that leads to becoming a Tirthankar, a spiritual teacher who guides beings to liberation. It requires immense compassion and dedication to the welfare of all beings. The text details the virtues and practices needed to bind this karma.
- Parāghāt and Ātapa/Udyot: Explains how these karmas influence one's presence and the effect they have on others (e.g., commanding respect vs. being ignored) and the body's inherent qualities like heat (Ātapa) or light (Udyot).
- Subh/Ashubh Namakarma: Relates to pleasant or unpleasant forms, smells, tastes, and textures.
- Svadhyāy, Vaitālik, etc.: Discusses the importance of spiritual knowledge and practice.
Paryapti and Aparyapti (Pages 179-186):
- Nature: Relates to the fulfillment of essential faculties required for a particular type of existence.
- Six Paryāptis: Āhāra (nourishment), Sharira (body formation), Indriya (senses), Shvāsocchvāsa (respiration), Bhasha (speech), and Mana (mind).
- Paryāpta vs. Aparyāpta: Souls that fully develop all necessary Paryāptis are called Paryāpta. Those who die before completing them are Aparyāpta.
- Impact: Affects the quality of life and potential for spiritual development.
Prakriti of Namakarman: Briefly mentions the categorization of Namakarman into 14 Pind Prakritis, 8 Pratyeka Prakritis, Trasa Dasak, and Sthavara Dasak, totaling 103 sub-types.

Key Jain Philosophical Concepts Discussed:

Anadi (Beginningless): The text strongly emphasizes that the soul (Jiva), the universe (Jagat), and the association of the soul with karma are all anadi (without beginning). This is presented as a foundational principle to resolve questions about creation and causality.
Karma as the Cause: The book consistently attributes experiences of happiness, sorrow, and the circumstances of life to the workings of karma, not to divine intervention.
Importance of Knowledge and Conduct: Throughout the text, the cultivation of right knowledge (Samyak Jnan) and right conduct (Samyak Charitra) is presented as the path to overcoming karma and achieving liberation.
Detachment (Vairagya): The text promotes detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions, highlighting their impermanent and ultimately painful nature.
Equanimity (Samata): The importance of maintaining equanimity in all situations, whether pleasant or unpleasant, is a recurring theme.
Self-Reliance: The ultimate responsibility for one's state lies with the individual's own karma.

Conclusion:

"Karmanu Computer Part 2 & 3" serves as a detailed manual for understanding the intricate mechanisms of karma in Jainism. By using metaphors and relatable examples, it aims to educate readers about the consequences of their actions and inspire them to live a life of virtue, detachment, and spiritual discipline to ultimately achieve liberation (Moksha). The text encourages readers to understand the science of karma to navigate life with greater wisdom, equanimity, and spiritual progress.