Kasaya Pahuda Sutta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Kasaya Pahuda Sutta, based on the provided text, focusing on its content and significance within Jainism:

Book Title: Kasaya Pahuda Sutta Author: Gunadharacharya (Original text), Yativrishabhacharya (Churni Sutra), Pandit Hiralal Jain (Editor and Translator) Publisher: Veer Shasan Sangh Calcutta Publication Year: 1955 (Vikram Samvat 2012, Vira Nirvana Samvat 2481)

I. Introduction and Significance:

The Kasaya Pahuda Sutta (meaning "Treatise on Passions") is a foundational text in Digambara Jain Agam literature. It is considered one of the earliest, if not the first, Anga texts compiled after the final compilation of the Twelve Angas of Jain scripture. The text is highly revered for its profound exposition on the nature and eradication of the four primary kasayas (passions): Krodha (anger), Mana (pride), Maya (deceit), and Lobha (greed).

The book is presented with the Churni Sutra by Acharya Yativrishabhacharya, who is considered the earliest known commentator on Jain Agamas and whose churni commentaries are highly valued for their clarity and depth. Pandit Hiralal Jain's contribution as editor and translator makes this ancient text accessible to a wider audience, particularly through his Hindi translation.

II. Origin and Lineage:

• The Kasaya Pahuda is believed to be derived from the fifth Jnana Pravada Purva, specifically the third Peyya Dos Pahuda (Treatise on Affections) within its tenth section (Vastu).
• Acharya Gunadharacharya, a prominent disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir, is credited with compiling the original Peyya Dos Pahuda in a vast form, which was later condensed into gathas (verses) by Gunadharacharya himself. The text traces its lineage through a prestigious line of Acharyas, including Gautam Ganadhar, Lohacharya, Jambu Swami, Aryamankshu, and Nagahasti, culminating in Yativrishabhacharya's churni. This unbroken chain emphasizes the authenticity and divine origin of the teachings, tracing them back to Bhagwan Mahavir's divya dhwani (divine voice).

III. Core Content and Philosophy:

The primary focus of the Kasaya Pahuda Sutta is the detailed analysis and guidance on overcoming the kasayas (passions) which are the root cause of transmigration (samsara) and suffering for the soul.

• Nature of Kasayas: The text delves into the various states of the kasayas, their nature, duration (sthiti), intensity (anubhaga), and extent (pradesha). It explains how these passions bind the soul and lead to repeated births and deaths.
• Eradication of Passions: The Kasaya Pahuda outlines the path to liberation by detailing the methods for pacifying (upashamana) and destroying (kshapan) the kasayas. This involves the practice of right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyakjnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra).
• Spiritual Progress: The text illustrates how the removal of specific kasayas leads to the manifestation of particular soul-qualities, such as knowledge, perception, and bliss. It describes the stages of spiritual progress, from the initial stages of shedding karmas to the ultimate attainment of liberation (moksha).
• Karma Theory: The work is deeply rooted in the Jain theory of karma, explaining how actions driven by passions lead to karmic influx (asrava) and bondage (bandha). It meticulously details the process of karmic transformation, such as permutation (sankramana), augmentation (udvartana), diminution (apavartana), manifestation (udaya), and suppression (upashamana).
• Structure and Division: The Kasaya Pahuda is structured into fifteen arthadhikaras (subject matters or chapters), each dealing with specific aspects of the kasayas and their relation to the soul's journey. These include detailed discussions on:
  • Peyya Dos Vibhakti: Classification of affections (rag and dwesh) and their origins.
  • Vibhaktis: Detailed analysis of prakriti (nature), sthiti (duration), anubhaga (intensity), and pradesha (quantity) of karmas, particularly Mohaniya karma.
  • Bandha: The process of karmic bondage.
  • Sankrama: The transformation of karmas.
  • Vedaka: The experience of karmic fruition.
  • Upayoga: The soul's attention and engagement with objects.
  • Chatuhsthana: Four stages of intensity related to passions.
  • Vyanjana: Synonyms and names related to passions.
  • Darshana Moha Upashamana & Kshapan: Pacification and destruction of deluding karma related to right faith.
  • Samyama Asamyama & Samyama: Stages of partial and complete self-control.
  • Charitra Moha Upashamana & Kshapan: Pacification and destruction of deluding karma related to right conduct.
  • Asta Parishaha: The text also touches upon the endurance of hardships.
  • Alpabahuta: The relative quantities of souls in different states and relating to the passions.
  • Upadesha: Teachings on the path to liberation.

IV. The Churni Sutra and its Importance:

The Churni Sutra by Acharya Yativrishabhacharya is a vital commentary that elaborates on the concise gathas of the original text. The term 'Churni' itself implies a finely ground or detailed explanation, breaking down complex sutras into understandable components. Yativrishabhacharya's work is lauded for its analytical approach, providing extensive details, commentaries, and elucidations that bring out the profound meaning of Gunadharacharya's original verses. The churni is considered a vital link in understanding the original Agamas.

V. Historical and Scholarly Context:

• The text highlights the importance of preserving and publishing ancient Jain literature, especially after India's independence, as part of reconstructing India's cultural and historical narrative.
• The extensive commentaries on the Kasaya Pahuda, including the Dhavala and Jayadhavala commentaries by Virasenacharya and Jinasenacharya, underscore its immense significance. The sheer volume of commentary (estimated at over two lakh shlokas for the Kasaya Pahuda alone) reflects its central role in Jain philosophical and monastic training.
• The scholarly effort by Pandit Hiralal Jain in compiling, editing, and translating this work is a testament to his dedication to preserving and disseminating Jain knowledge. The preface details the arduous journey of this publication, involving extensive research, manuscript comparisons, and the valuable contributions of various scholars and institutions.

VI. Key Themes and Concepts:

• Kashayas: The central theme is the detailed exploration of the four primary passions and their role in karmic bondage.
• Karma: The text is intrinsically linked to the understanding of karma, its influx, bondage, fruition, and the means of its eradication.
• Spiritual Discipline: It provides a roadmap for spiritual progress, guiding ascetics and householders on the path to purification and liberation.
• Nayas (Perspectives): The churni often explains concepts from different nayavadas (philosophical standpoints) to offer a comprehensive understanding.
• Sutas and Gathas: The text clarifies the nature of sutras and gathas in Jain scripture, emphasizing the profundity and condensed meaning within the gathas.

VII. Conclusion:

The Kasaya Pahuda Sutta, with its churni commentary and modern scholarly edition, stands as a monumental work in Jain literature. It offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to understanding and overcoming the passions, which are considered the primary obstacles to the soul's liberation. Its detailed analysis of karma, spiritual practices, and philosophical concepts makes it an indispensable text for serious Jain scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the core tenets of Jainism and achieve spiritual emancipation.