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Kashay

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Kashay

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kashay" by Sadhvi Hempragyashreeji, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Kashay: Ek Tulnatmak Adhyayan (Kashay: A Comparative Study) Author: Sadhvi (Dr.) Hempragyashreeji Publisher: Shree Vichakshan Prakashan, Indore Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001719/1

Overview:

"Kashay: Ek Tulnatmak Adhyayan" is a scholarly work by Sadhvi Hempragyashreeji, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vichakshanshreeji and a follower of Acharya Shri Maniprabhshreeji. This book is an abridged version of her doctoral dissertation, which was accepted by Devi Ahilya University, Indore, in 1988. The work delves deeply into the Jain concept of 'Kashay,' exploring its multifaceted nature, its relationship with other philosophical principles, and its implications for spiritual progress.

Key Themes and Concepts:

  1. Definition and Nature of Kashay:

    • 'Kashay' is a fundamental term in Jain philosophy, referring to mental states or emotional tendencies that "corrupt" or "soil" the soul (Atma). These are considered the primary cause of the soul's bondage and suffering in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
    • The text defines Kashay as mental impulses or psychological disturbances that stain the soul, diminish its innate virtues, lead to bondage, and perpetuate the cycle of transmigration.
    • While other Indian traditions (Buddhism, Hinduism) also use the term 'Kashay' for negative mental states, its prominence and detailed analysis are distinct in Jainism.
    • The book discusses various etymological definitions of Kashay, highlighting its function in causing suffering and binding the soul.

  2. The Four Primary Kashayas:

    • The four main Kashayas are identified as:
      • Krodh (Anger): Described as an agitated, stimulating impulse that impairs reasoning and leads to aggression. It has different forms based on intensity, including Anantanubandhi (most intense, lifelong), Apratyakhyani (intense, lasts up to a year), Pratyakhyani (intense, lasts up to four months), and Sanjvalan (mild, temporary).
      • Maan (Pride/Ego): Arising from pride in one's lineage, strength, wealth, knowledge, etc. It fosters a sense of superiority and disrespect towards others. Similar to anger, it's categorized by intensity.
      • Maya (Deceit/Illusion): Characterized by cunning, trickery, and dishonesty. It involves acting with ulterior motives and hiding one's true intentions. Various synonyms and degrees of Maya are discussed.
      • Lobh (Greed/Attachment): The insatiable desire for material possessions, sensory pleasures, and continuation of life or avoidance of death. It is described as the root of all vices. Its sixteen forms and four intensity levels are detailed.

  3. Nokashay (Sub-Kashayas or Associated Emotions):

    • These are emotions that co-exist with or arise from the primary Kashayas, though considered less intense. They include:
      • Hasya (Laughter/Jest): Often linked to pride.
      • Rati (Attachment/Interest): Towards pleasurable objects or experiences.
      • Arati (Disinterest/Aversion): Leading to hatred and malice.
      • Shoka (Sorrow): Resulting from loss or unfavorable circumstances.
      • Bhaya (Fear): The drive for self-preservation.
      • Ghrina (Disgust/Hatred): A developed form of aversion.
      • Shri Ved (Female Passion): Desire for male contact.
      • Purush Ved (Male Passion): Desire for female contact.
      • Napunsak Ved (Eunuch Passion): Desire for contact with both genders.
    • These Nokashayas significantly influence one's character and actions.

  4. Kashay and Karmic Bondage:

    • Jain philosophy posits that Kashayas are the primary drivers of karmic bondage. Along with Mithyatva (delusion), Avirati (non-restraint), and Pramad (negligence), Kashayas are listed as the five causes of karmic influx (Asrava) and bondage (Bandha).
    • The text argues that Mithyatva, Avirati, and Pramad are themselves consequences of Kashayas, particularly the Anantanubandhi (everlasting) types.
    • The intensity and nature of Kashayas (Anantanubandhi, Apratyakhyani, Pratyakhyani, Sanjvalan) determine the type, duration (Sthiti Bandha), and potency (Anubhag Bandha) of the karmic matter that binds the soul.
    • The book details how each of the eight Karmas (Jnānāvaranīya, Darshanāvaranīya, Vedanīya, Mohanīya, Āyu, Nāma, Gotra, Antarāya) is influenced by Kashayas and Nokashayas, highlighting the causative role of Kashaya in the nature and intensity of karmic effects.

  5. Kashay and Gunasthana (Stages of Spiritual Development):

    • The fourteen Gunasthana stages represent the soul's journey from ignorance to liberation. The text explains the state of Kashayas at each stage, demonstrating how their intensity diminishes and they are gradually subdued or eradicated through spiritual practice.
    • The Anantanubandhi Kashayas are predominant in the initial stages (Mithyādr̥ṣṭi, Sāsvādana), while their reduction or elimination marks progress towards higher stages, culminating in the complete destruction of Kashayas in the final stages leading to Moksha.

  6. Kashay and Leshya (Subtle Karmic Matter/Auras):

    • Leshya refers to the subtle karmic particles that color the soul's disposition and influence its outward expression. The six Leshyas (Krishna, Nila, Kapota, Tejas, Padma, Shukla) are presented as a spectrum, from the most negative (Krishna) to the most positive (Shukla).
    • The book establishes a strong correlation between the intensity of Kashayas and the prevailing Leshya, showing how intense Kashayas lead to lower Leshyas and vice versa. This connection is further elaborated by presenting 72 combinations of Kashaya intensity (Anantanubandhi to Sanjvalan) with the six Leshyas.

  7. Kashay and Tatva (Jain Principles):

    • The text integrates the concept of Kashay with the seven or nine fundamental Jain principles (Tatvas), such as Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage), Samvara (cessation of influx), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).
    • It explains how Kashayas are the root cause of Asrava and Bandha, while their control (Samvara) and elimination (Nirjara) lead to liberation (Moksha). The soul's inherent nature (Swabhava) is pure and free from Kashayas, whereas its conditioned state (Vibhava) is characterized by them.

  8. Kashay Jay (Victory over Kashayas):

    • The book dedicates a significant section to the methods and strategies for overcoming Kashayas, drawing from Jain scriptures.
    • These include:
      • Understanding the nature of Kashayas: Recognizing their destructive impact.
      • Developing opposing virtues: Overcoming anger with patience (Kshama), pride with humility (Vinaya), deceit with straightforwardness (Rijuta), and greed with contentment (Santosha).
      • Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness: Observing one's thoughts and emotions without judgment.
      • Adopting yogic practices: Techniques like controlled breathing (Pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), mantra chanting (Japa), and introspection are highlighted.
      • Cultivating equanimity: Maintaining mental balance amidst pleasure and pain, praise and criticism, honor and dishonor.
      • Following the path of virtue: Engaging in acts of charity, self-discipline, austerity, and devotion.
      • The role of the Four Bhavanas: Considering the impermanence of things (Anitya), the helplessness of the world (Asharana), the suffering in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), and the purity of the soul (Shuddha), which lead to detachment.
      • The importance of the Twelve Vows (for laypeople) and the five Great Vows (for monastics): These provide a framework for ethical conduct and a disciplined life.
      • The practice of the six external austerities (Bahya Tap) and six internal austerities (Abhyantara Tap): These are practical methods for weakening the influence of Kashayas.

Comparative Study:

The book also makes comparative references to how similar concepts are addressed in other Indian philosophical traditions like Buddhism (Dhammapada) and Hinduism (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita), noting both similarities and differences in their approach to understanding and overcoming negative mental states.

Author's Contribution:

Sadhvi Hempragyashreeji is commended for her diligent research, her ability to synthesize complex Jain doctrines, and her clear, accessible writing style. The preface by Dr. Sagarmal Jain and the introductory remarks by Dr. Nemichand Jain attest to the scholarly rigor and practical relevance of the work.

Conclusion:

"Kashay: Ek Tulnatmak Adhyayan" serves as an authoritative guide for understanding the pervasive influence of Kashayas in the Jain worldview and provides practical guidance for achieving spiritual liberation through their conquest. It emphasizes that true freedom and happiness lie in transcending these internal bondage and realizing the soul's inherent purity and bliss.