Karmvipak Pratham Karmgranth - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Karmvipak Pratham Karmgranth" by Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

"Karmvipak Pratham Karmgranth" is presented as the first in a series of works on Jain Karma literature, serving as an introductory step for those seeking to understand the complex doctrine of Karma in Jainism. Authored by Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta, the book is published by Agamoddharak Pratishthan, Surat. It is based on the teachings of Acharya Devendrasurishwarji Maharaj and features commentary by Sadhvi Shri Jinayashashriji M.S.

Core Theme: The Court of Karma

The text begins by drawing a powerful analogy between worldly courts of law and the eternal court of Karma. It highlights the superiority of Karma's court:

Unfailing Justice: Unlike human courts that rely on evidence and witnesses, the court of Karma punishes even hidden or unproven transgressions.
Impenetrable Justice: No bribes, influence, or power can sway the judgment of Karma. Even kings and celestial beings are subject to its verdicts.
Unending Enforcement: While human courts struggle to enforce long sentences, the court of Karma can ensure the full fruition of karmic consequences across multiple lifetimes.

This emphasizes the absolute and inescapable nature of karmic retribution, urging the reader to pay greater attention to Karma's principles than to human laws.

Jain Karma Literature and the Karmagranth Series:

The book places itself within the vast body of Jain "Karma Literature," which includes texts like Karmagranth, Karmaprakriti, and Panchasangrah. "Karmagranth" is identified as the foundational text for Karma study. The text notes that while there are ancient Karmagranths, the contemporary Jain community widely studies the "Navya" (new) Karmagranths, particularly the five composed by Acharya Devendrasurishwarji Maharaj. These texts systematically explain the types of karma, their sub-categories, their effects on the soul, the causes of their binding, their manifestation (uday) and intensification (udiran), various paths of spiritual progress (margana), and the permanence or impermanence of karmic bonds, among other intricate subjects.

This Particular Book: "Karmavipak"

"Karmavipak" is presented as a textbook in the same vein as the new Karmagranths, offering clear and insightful commentary to enhance understanding. The commentary, compiled by Sadhvi Shri Jinayashashriji M.S. from the teachings of Sadhvi Shri Snehlata Shreeji M.S. and Sadhvi Shri Yashodharma Shreeji M.S., is lauded for its depth and clarity. Specific examples of the commentary's enrichment are given, including:

Karmas' Nature: Detailed discussion on Karma from a worldly and Jain perspective, including a Q&A section.
Five Types of Knowledge (Jnana): Elaborations on the five types of knowledge, with illustrative examples drawn from "Lok Prakash" to explain the four types of asrutanishrit mati jnana.
Mohaniya Karma: Simplified explanations of Mohaniya Karma (delusion-inducing karma) and its various aspects, such as the four types of kashayas (passions) and their sub-divisions.
Karma Bandha Hetu (Causes of Karma Binding): A detailed and categorized explanation of the causes of karma binding, referencing the Sanskrit commentary and the granthakar's own insights.

Key Individuals and Contributions:

The book acknowledges the guidance and inspiration from various revered Jain monks and nuns, including:

Acharya Devendrasurishwarji Maharaj: The author of the new Karmagranth series.
Acharya Shri Dharmasurishwarji Maharaj: The spiritual mentor (Divyashishadata).
Sadhvi Shri Snehlata Shreeji M.S. & Sadhvi Shri Yashodharma Shreeji M.S.: The inspirations (Prerika) behind the work.
Sadhvi Shri Jinayashashriji M.S.: The compiler and primary commentator (Aalekhika).
Pandit Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta (Suigamwala): The editor (Sampadak).
Shri Sambhavnath Jain Shwetamber Murtipujak Sangh, Jamli Galli, Borivali (West), Mumbai: A significant material supporter.
Acharya Shri Vineet Vijayvijayji Maharaj & Acharya Shri Rajratnasuriji Maharaj: For their valuable revisions and suggestions.

Dedication and Life of Sadhvi Shri Kamalashriji M.S.:

A significant portion of the introductory material is dedicated to the life and virtues of Param Pujya Sadhvi Shri Kamalashriji M.S., a disciple of Acharya Shri Mohansurishwarji M.S. The text describes her profound scholarly pursuits, devotion, adherence to vows for 76 years, and her peaceful demise at Shri Shatrunjay Tirth. Her life is presented as a beacon of faith, knowledge, and conduct, inspiring the disciples and readers alike.

Structure and Content of the Book (Based on Page Content):

The book delves into the core principles of Karma, with specific chapters or sections focusing on:

The Eight Karmas: The text systematically introduces the eight types of karma, detailing their classifications and sub-classifications (totaling 158 outer categories).
- Jnana (Knowledge) Karmas: Detailed explanations of the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shrut, Avadhi, Manahparyay, Keval) and the specific karmas that obscure them (Jnanavarniya).
- Darshan (Perception) Karmas: Explanation of Darshan, its obscuring karmas (Darshanavarniya), and the five types of sleep-inducing karmas.
- Vedaniya Karma: The karma responsible for pleasant and unpleasant sensations, explained through the analogy of licking a sword with honey.
- Mohaniya Karma: The karma of delusion, divided into Darshan Mohaniya (delusion about reality) and Charitra Mohaniya (delusion about conduct). The text details the three types of Darshan Mohaniya (Samyak, Mishra, Mithya) and the complex system of Kashayas (passions) and Nokashayas (secondary passions) within Charitra Mohaniya.
- Ayushya Karma: The karma that determines lifespan, described as a "shackle" binding the soul to a particular existence.
- Nama Karma: The karma that defines the form, attributes, and physical characteristics of a being, categorized into various sub-types like Gati, Jati, Sharir, Angopang, Bandhan, Sanghatan, Sansthan, Varna, Gandha, Rasa, Sparsha, Anupurvi, and Vihaygati.
- Gotra Karma: Karma determining one's social standing and lineage, explained through the analogy of a potter's clay.
- Antaraya Karma: The karma that obstructs the fruition of positive qualities and actions, categorized into five types: Dana (charity), Labha (gain), Bhoga (enjoyment), Upbhoga (repeated enjoyment), and Virya (strength/energy).
Causes of Karma Binding (Bandha Hetu): The text elaborates on both general and specific causes for the binding of different types of karma, differentiating between internal (Mithyatva, Avirati, Kashaya, Yoga, Pramada) and external influences.
Karmas and Spiritual Progress (Gunsthana): The text touches upon the concept of Gunsthanas (stages of spiritual development) in relation to the manifestation and binding of karma.

Purpose and Audience:

The book aims to provide a clear, accessible, and well-annotated introduction to the intricate science of Karma for students, scholars, and all Jain followers interested in understanding the fundamental principles of their faith that govern the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The commentary is specifically designed to make the often-complex subject matter understandable and engaging.

In essence, "Karmavipak Pratham Karmgranth" serves as a vital bridge for understanding the profound and practical philosophy of Karma within Jainism, making it accessible and relevant to the modern reader.