Kartikeyanupreksha

The text provided is "Kartikeyanupreksha" (Kārttikeyānuprekṣā), authored by Swami Kumāra. This extensive Jain scripture, dating back to an early period in Jain literature, is primarily a treatise on the twelve Anuprekṣās (reflections or contemplations), which are central to Jain spiritual practice. The provided text is a critically edited version, including a Sanskrit commentary by Subhacandra and a Hindi translation by Pt. Kailashchandra Shastri, published by Shri Parama-śruta Prabhāvaka Mandala.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key aspects covered in the text, based on the provided pages and introduction:

I. The Text and its Context:

• Title: The work is known as "Kartikeyanupreksha" or in Prakrit, "Kattigeyānuppekkhā". Its original title may have been "Bārasa-Anuvekkhā" (Twelve Reflections), as indicated by the author himself. The name "Kartikeya" is attributed to the commentator Subhacandra, possibly due to a misunderstanding or synonymity with "Kumāra", the author's name.
• Author: Swami Kumāra is identified as the author. Very little is known about his personal life, but his writings suggest a deep understanding of Jain doctrines and a commitment to spiritual practice. His age is estimated to be sometime before the 13th century CE, likely after Kundakunda and Umāsvāti.
• Content: The text is an exhaustive treatise on the twelve Anuprekṣās, which are fundamental topics for meditation and spiritual progress in Jainism. These Anuprekṣās cover a wide range of subjects crucial to understanding Jain philosophy, the nature of reality, the cycle of existence, and the path to liberation.
• Commentary: Subhacandra's Sanskrit commentary is presented, making the Prakrit text accessible to a wider audience. The commentary is extensive and draws heavily from earlier Jain works, acting as a valuable sourcebook of Jain doctrines.
• Publisher: Shri Parama-śruta Prabhāvaka Mandala, Srimad Rājacandra Āśrama, Agāsa.

II. The Twelve Anuprekṣās (Reflections):

The text systematically elaborates on twelve fundamental Anuprekṣās, which are essentially contemplations on key Jain principles:

1. Adhruva (Anitya) Anuprekṣā (Impermanence): Reflection on the transient nature of all worldly things, including wealth, youth, relationships, and the body. It emphasizes that nothing in the material world is permanent.
2. Asarana Anuprekṣā (Helplessness): Contemplation on the fact that in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), no one can truly protect another. Ultimately, the soul is its own refuge, and spiritual practice is the only true shelter.
3. Samsara Anuprekṣā (Cycle of Transmigration): Meditation on the endless cycle of births and deaths, highlighting the suffering inherent in each realm of existence (hells, animals, humans, and heavens) and the causes of being trapped in this cycle (karma, passions, wrong beliefs).
4. Ekatva Anuprekṣā (Loneliness): Reflection on the soul's inherent solitude. While interactions occur, ultimately, the soul experiences the consequences of its actions alone.
5. Anyatva Anuprekṣā (Separateness): Contemplation on the essential distinction between the soul (self) and all non-soul entities (body, relatives, possessions, etc.). Realizing this separateness is crucial for detachment.
6. Asuci Anuprekṣā (Impurity): Meditation on the inherent impurity of the physical body, which is composed of decaying matter, filled with excretions, and prone to disease. This reflection aims to foster dispassion towards the body.
7. Asrava Anuprekṣā (Influx of Karma): Contemplation on the causes that lead to the influx of karmic particles into the soul. These causes are primarily the activities of mind, speech, and body driven by passions and deluded beliefs.
8. Samvara Anuprekṣā (Stoppage of Karma): Reflection on the means to stop the influx of karma. This includes the practice of virtues like right faith (samyaktva), vows (vratas), self-control, penance, meditation, and the cultivation of proper conduct.
9. Nirjara Anuprekṣā (Shedding of Karma): Meditation on the process of shedding accumulated karma. This is achieved through rigorous penance (tapas) and spiritual discipline, which helps to purify the soul from karmic bondage.
10. Loka Anuprekṣā (The Universe): Contemplation on the nature, structure, and extent of the universe, which is self-existing and not created or maintained by any external deity. This includes understanding the different realms of existence and the classification of beings within them.
11. Bodhi-durlabha Anuprekṣā (Rarity of Enlightenment): Reflection on the extreme difficulty of obtaining right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (the three jewels) and the rarity of human birth, which is essential for spiritual liberation. It emphasizes making the most of this precious opportunity.
12. Dharma Anuprekṣā (True Religion): Contemplation on the nature of true religion as taught by the Jinas (Tirthankaras). This involves understanding right faith (samyaktva), right knowledge (jnana), right conduct (charitra), and the importance of detachment, virtues, and the path to liberation.

III. Key Themes and Concepts:

• Anitya (Impermanence): A recurring theme, emphasizing that everything in the world is transient, urging detachment and focus on the eternal soul.
• Anāatha (Helplessness): The soul's ultimate aloneness in the face of karma and death, highlighting the necessity of self-reliance through spiritual practice.
• Samsara: The vast and suffering-filled cycle of rebirth, depicted with graphic descriptions of hellish and other realms.
• Karma: The doctrine of karma is central, explaining the causes of suffering and the path to liberation through its cessation and shedding.
• Soul (Atman/Jiva): The text emphasizes the soul as the true self, distinct from the body, and possessing inherent qualities of consciousness and bliss, which can be realized through spiritual discipline.
• Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct (Triratna): These are presented as the ultimate means to overcome samsara and attain liberation.
• Tapas (Penance/Austerity): Highlighted as a crucial practice for karma-nirjara, with an emphasis on the intention behind the penance.
• Dharma: Explained as the true nature of reality and the path taught by the Jinas, encompassing virtues and proper conduct for both laymen and monks.
• Nayas (Standpoints): The text implicitly or explicitly discusses various nayas (standpoints) like Nischaya (ultimate reality) and Vyavahara (conventional reality) in understanding the multifaceted nature of reality.
• The Author's Style: Swami Kumāra's exposition is detailed, comprehensive, and often poetic, aiming to instill detachment and devotion in the reader.

IV. Structure of the Introduction:

The "Introduction" section of the critical edition (pages 1-90) provides a scholarly analysis of the Anuprekṣās in Jain literature, tracing their origins, evolution, and significance. It covers:

• Critical Apparatus: Details about the manuscripts used.
• Anuprekṣās: Etymology, general meaning, position in Jain ideology, purpose, scope, and enumeration.
• Anuprekṣā in Jain Literature: Canonical strata, discussion in texts like Tattvarthasutra, incidental mentions, use of the term "Bhavana", and counterparts in Buddhism.
• Karttikeyanupreksha: Its title, formal description, summary of contents, comparative study with other works, its compendium nature, author, age, Prakrit dialect, and the commentary of Subhacandra.
• Subhacandra and His Commentary: Details about the commentator, his works, the nature of his commentary, its indebtedness to other sources, and his role as a religious teacher.
• Index to Introduction: A valuable index of authors and works discussed.

In essence, "Kartikeyanupreksha" is a profound Jain text that meticulously guides the practitioner through the profound reflections necessary for spiritual growth, emphasizing detachment from the transient world, understanding the soul's true nature, and ultimately achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth.