Karmgranth Tatha Sukshmarth Vicharsar Prakaran - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled Karmgranth tatha Sukshmarth Vicharsar Prakaran by Veershekharvijay, published by Bharatiya Prachya Tattva Prakashan Samiti, is a comprehensive compilation and commentary on Jain Karma theory. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/004404/1.

The book is a significant work in Jain literature, focusing on the intricacies of karma (actions and their consequences) as understood in Jain philosophy. Here's a breakdown of its content based on the provided pages and context:

Overall Structure and Content:

The text appears to be a collection of several ancient Jain works on Karma, along with commentaries and editorial additions. Based on the introductory pages, the key components of the book are:

Four Ancient Karma Granthas (Chatvarah Prachinah Karma-Granthah): These are foundational texts on Karma, likely representing different perspectives or stages of understanding the doctrine.
Saptatika (Saptatikabhidhah Sastha Karmagranthah): This is identified as the sixth Karma Granth, suggesting a lineage or sequence of these works. It is presented with commentaries, possibly in Prakrit language with annotations.
Sukshmaarth Vicharsar Prakaranam: This section delves into the subtle and profound meanings (sukshmaarth) of Karma, indicating a deeper analytical approach. It is also presented with Prakrit commentaries.
Two Appendices (Parishishtadvayam): These likely contain supplementary information, such as diagrams (yantra), symbolic representations, or further elaborations on specific aspects of Karma.

Key Themes and Authorship:

Commentaries and Lineage: The text emphasizes its lineage and the contributions of various renowned Acharyas. Notably, it mentions:
- Acharya Shri Vijay Premsurishwarji: His guidance and grace are credited for the compilation.
- Acharya Shri Vijay Heersurishwar: His discipline and understanding of scriptures are highlighted, with Muni Shri Lalitshekhar Vijay and Muni Shri Rajshekhar Vijay as his disciples who undertook the editing and compilation.
- Muni Shri Virshekhar Vijay: The editor and annotator of this particular edition.
- Ancient Acharyas: The foundational texts are attributed to various ancient masters, including Garg Maharshi (for Karmavipaka), Haribhadra Suri, Malayagiri Suri, Yashobhadra Surishwar, Ramdev Gani, and Jinavallabh Gani.
Karmavipakakhya (First Karma Granth): This text by Garg Maharshi is described as being along with commentaries by an ancient Acharya and Shri Parmanand Suri.
Karmastava (Second Karma Granth): This text is adorned with a commentary by Shvetapatacharya Shri Govind Gani.
Bandhasvamitva (Third Karma Granth): This work is enriched with the commentary of Shri Haribhadra Suri.
Shadashiti (Fourth Karma Granth): This text, also known as Agamikvastu Vicharsar Prakaranam, is accompanied by commentaries from Shri Haribhadra Suri and Shri Malayagiri Suri, and a Tika by Shri Yashobhadra Surishwar, and a detailed commentary (Tippanak) by Shri Ramdev Gani.
Saptatika (Sixth Karma Granth): This work includes two types of Prakrit-based annotations by Shri Ramdev Gani.
Sukshmaarth Vicharsar Prakaranam: This section features annotations and commentary by Shri Ramdev Gani.
Karma Literature Compilation: The editorial notes express joy in the creation of extensive Karma literature, including millions of verses in Prakrit and Sanskrit commentaries, indicating a monumental effort in preserving and presenting these teachings.
Focus on Karma Theory: The core subject matter is the Jain doctrine of Karma, exploring its various aspects, classifications, effects, and the path to liberation from it.
Editorial and Publication Details: The text also provides details about the first edition, including the number of copies, pricing, and availability from various locations. The publication committee and its trustees are listed, emphasizing the organizational effort behind this endeavor.
Gratitude and Dedication: There are expressions of deep gratitude towards the guiding Acharyas and individuals who supported the publication, particularly highlighting the contribution of the late Acharya Shri Vijay Premsurishwarji. The work is dedicated to deities and spiritual masters as a mark of reverence.

In essence, this book is a scholarly and devotional endeavor to present a foundational and comprehensive understanding of Jain Karma theory, drawing upon the wisdom of ancient masters and presenting it with meticulous commentary and annotation for the benefit of scholars and practitioners. It covers the primary texts, their commentaries, and relevant supplementary material, making it a valuable resource for studying Jain Karma.