Karmstavnama Bandhswamitvanama 2 3 Karmgranth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Karmstavnama Bandhswamitvanama 2 3 Karmgranth" by Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Karmstavnama Bandhswamitvanama 2 3 Karmgranth Author: Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta Publisher: Agamoddharak Pratishthan

Overall Scope:

This text, the second and third Karm Granths compiled within the "Karmstavnama Bandhswamitvanama" series, delves deeply into the intricate workings of Karma in Jainism. It focuses on the Bandh (bondage) and Swamitv (ownership/attribute) of various karmic classifications in relation to the fourteen Gun Sthanaks (stages of spiritual development). The work meticulously explains the binding and flowing of karmas according to the spiritual progression of the soul, drawing heavily on the teachings of the Tirthankaras and previous Acharyas.

Key Themes and Content:

Invocation and Homage: The text begins with a homage to Lord Mahavir, who is praised for having overcome all karmas in the fourteen Gun Sthanaks. The main cover illustration depicts key moments from Mahavir's lives related to his karmic journey.
The Nature of Karma: The text emphasizes that karma is the reason for the soul's endless cycle of rebirth (anadi sansar). It describes karma as unfathomable and hidden, yet clearly explained in the sacred Jain texts (Agams) by omniscient beings.
Purpose of the Texts: To make the profound knowledge of karma accessible to beings with limited intellect and lifespan, previous Acharyas and Mahatmas authored numerous texts on karma. This particular work is a continuation, building upon previous volumes and the foundational texts.
Attribution and Authorship: The work is attributed to the revered Acharya Shri Devendrasurishwarji Maharaj, a disciple of Acharya Shri Jagchandrasurishwarji. The compilation and editing are credited to Pandit Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta. The publication is by Shri Agamoddharak Pratishthan.
Detailed Analysis of Gun Sthanaks and Karma: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to explaining the fourteen Gun Sthanaks, starting from the first (Mithyadrushti - incorrect view) to the fourteenth (Ayogi Kevali - the omniscient soul without any residual activity). For each Gun Sthanak, the text details:
- Bondage (Bandh): Which karmic influxes (pudgals) bind to the soul, the causes (hetu), and the quantity of karmic particles (dravya).
- Manifestation (Uday): When bound karmas come into fruition (vipaak).
- Eruption/Acceleration (Udirana): When karmas, though not yet due for fruition, are accelerated due to specific causes and enjoyed.
- Existence/Potency (Satta): The dormant state of karmas that have been bound but have not yet erupted or been accelerated.
Specific Karmic Classifications: The text elaborates on the four main categories of karma (Karm Prakriti) and their subdivisions, detailing how they are bound, manifest, erupt, and remain in potency at each stage of spiritual progress. It often refers to the number of karmic influxes or prakritis involved at each stage.
In-depth Explanation of the First Few Gun Sthanaks:
- Mithyadrushti (1st Gun Sthanak): This stage is characterized by incorrect perception of reality, attachment to wrong beliefs, and is caused by the delusion of Mithyatva Mohaniya karma. The text delves into various classifications of Mithyatva (e.g., worldly vs. supra-worldly, expressed vs. unexpressed, deep vs. mild).
- Saswadan (2nd Gun Sthanak): This is a transitional stage experienced by a soul that has partially attained right faith (Samyakva) but falls back due to the eruption of Anantanubandhi Kashay (deeply rooted passions). The soul experiences a "taste" of right faith.
- Mishra (3rd Gun Sthanak): This stage involves a mixed perception, where the soul holds both correct and incorrect views simultaneously. It's characterized by the eruption of Mishra Mohaniya karma.
- Avirat Samyagdrushti (4th Gun Sthanak): Here, the soul has attained right faith but has not yet taken any vows (virati). It can be achieved through different types of samyakva (oushamik, kshayopashamik, kshayik).
- Deshvirati (5th Gun Sthanak): The soul takes partial vows, abstaining from some harmful actions.
- Pramatta Sanyat (6th Gun Sthanak): The soul has attained complete vows (sarva virati) but is still subject to passions (pramada) like sleep, idle talk, etc.
- Apramatta Sanyat (7th Gun Sthanak): The soul has attained complete vows and has overcome passions, exerting effort towards spiritual progress.
Detailed Progression: The text continues to explain the subsequent Gun Sthanaks, detailing the specific karmic states at each level, including the actions taken (apoorva karya) during stages like Yathapravruddhi Karan, Apoorva Karan, and Anivrutti Karan in the process of Upasham Shreni (suppression of karma) and Kshapak Shreni (destruction of karma).
Focus on Bandh Swamitv: The primary objective is to explain the "ownership" or "attribute" of bondage (Bandh Swamitv) for each karmic influx (prakriti) in relation to the fourteen Gun Sthanaks and fourteen Marganas (categories of analysis, such as gati - destination, indriya - senses, kaya - body, etc.). It answers questions like: which karmas bind at which stage, which karmas are in potency, which are erupting, and which are in the process of being shed.
Interconnectedness of Texts: The author encourages studying the preceding "Karmstav" text to understand the foundational concepts of bondage before delving into this volume, which elaborates on the nuances across different spiritual stages and analytical categories.
Contributions and Acknowledgements: The text acknowledges financial and intellectual support from various Jain trusts and individuals, highlighting the collaborative effort in bringing this spiritual knowledge to light.

Summary of the Core Concepts Explained (based on the provided excerpts):

The provided text is a very detailed and technical explanation of Jain karmic theory, specifically focusing on Bandh (bondage), Uday (manifestation), Udirana (acceleration), and Satta (potency) of karmic influxes (prakritis) across the fourteen Gun Sthanakas (spiritual stages) and fourteen Marganas (categories of analysis).

Bandh (Bondage): The text explains how karmic particles (pudgals) attach to the soul due to passions (kashayas), ignorance (mithyatva), and activities (yoga). It quantifies the number of karmic influxes that bind at each Gun Sthanak, often listing which specific karmas are bound and which are not (abandh).
Uday (Manifestation): This refers to the fruition of bound karmas according to their specific potency and time period (sthiti). The text details which karmas manifest at which Gun Sthanak.
Udirana (Acceleration): This is when karmas, even if not due for fruition, are brought forth prematurely due to specific conditions and enjoyed. The text explains when udirana occurs for certain karmas.
Satta (Potency): This refers to the karmas that are bound but not yet manifesting or accelerating. The text lists the number of karmas in satta at each Gun Sthanak, distinguishing between existing potency (sadbhav satta) and potential potency (sambhav satta).

Structure of the Work:

The text systematically moves through:

Introduction and Invocation.
Explanation of Gun Sthanakas: Defining each of the 14 stages.
Bandh Swamitv across Marganas: Detailing the karmic bondage at each Gun Sthanak, considering different categories of beings or situations like different gatis (destinations), leshyas (complexions of the soul), vedas (passions), jnan (knowledge), darshan (faith), samyam (restraint), etc.
Uday Swamitv: Explaining the manifestation of karmas at each stage.
Udirana Swamitv: Describing the acceleration of karmas.
Satta Swamitv: Explaining the potency of karmas.
Tables and Yantras: The text utilizes tables (yantras) to visually represent the number of karmic influxes in bondage, manifestation, eruption, and potency at each of the 14 Gun Sthanakas for various Marganas.

In Essence:

"Karmstavnama Bandhswamitvanama 2 3 Karmgranth" is a scholarly treatise that aims to demystify the complex doctrine of karma by systematically linking it to the soul's journey through the spiritual stages (Gun Sthanakas) and analytical categories (Marganas). It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand the mechanics of karmic bondage and its attributes, crucial for achieving spiritual liberation in Jainism.