Kashayjay Bhavna - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kashayjay Bhavna" by Kanakkirti Maharaj, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Kashayjay Bhavna (कषायजय भावना) Author: Param Pujya Shramanratna Shri Kanakkirti Ji Maharaj Publisher: Anekant Shrut Prakashini Sanstha Translator: Param Pujya Achintya Pragya-shaktidharak, Yuva Muni 108 Shri Suvidhi Sagar Ji Maharaj First Reader: Pujya Aryika 105 Shri Suvidhimati Mataji and Pujya Aryika 105 Shri Suyogmati Mataji Editor: Pandit Pravar Shri Rishabhkumar Shastri

Overall Purpose:

"Kashayjay Bhavna" is a Jain text dedicated to understanding and overcoming the "Kashayas" (passions or inner enemies) that hinder spiritual progress and lead to suffering. The book emphasizes that conquering these Kashayas is paramount for liberation (Moksha). It aims to educate practitioners about the nature, consequences, and methods to subdue these inner foes.

Core Concepts and Structure:

The book is structured to first define and explain the Kashayas, then detail their negative impacts on an individual's life (both worldly and spiritual), and finally offer insights and stories to illustrate the importance of their renunciation.

1. Definition and Nature of Kashayas:

Origin of the Term: The word "Kashaya" is derived from the root "kṛṣ," which signifies to weaken, to destroy, or to bind.
Jain Definition: Kashayas are defined as those qualities that bind the soul, weaken its inherent pure qualities, and are the cause of suffering and the cycle of birth and death. They are described as the "seeds of sorrowful worldly existence."
Destructive Nature: Kashayas are described as "thieves" that rob individuals of their good qualities. They are likened to "mental poison" that destroys both mental and physical well-being.
Four Primary Kashayas: The text identifies the four main Kashayas:
1. Krodha (Anger): The emperor of all vices.
2. Māna (Pride/Ego): Sweet poison, often leading to self-deception.
3. Māyā (Deceit/Illusion): The mother of misfortune and the path to suffering.
4. Lobha (Greed/Attachment): The ultimate desire for possessions, leading to endless dissatisfaction.

2. Types and Effects of Kashayas:

The text categorizes Kashayas into four types based on their duration and intensity:

Anantānubandhi (Endless Continuation): These prolong the cycle of rebirth infinitely.
Apratyākhyān (Non-renunciation): These obstruct the observance of minor vows (Anuvratas).
Pratyākhyān (Renunciation): These obstruct the observance of major vows (Mahavratas) by ascetics.
Sañjvalana (Burning/Igniting): These obstruct the observance of the highest form of conduct (Yathakhyat Charitra).

The text elaborates on the detrimental effects of each Kashaya, illustrating them with verses and short narratives:

Krodha (Anger):
- Destroys wealth, relationships, and life itself.
- Causes physical deformities (reddened face, distorted features) and mental derangement, making one act like a madman or a ghost.
- Leads to self-harm, as in the example of someone trying to harm another with heated iron and burning themselves.
- Breaks down respect for elders, gurus, and loved ones.
- Makes one blind to right and wrong, even leading to self-destruction.
- Prevents one from practicing charity, worship, study, or observing vows.
- Is the root of all misfortune and spiritual downfall.
Māna (Pride/Ego):
- Causes individuals to consider themselves superior in all aspects (lineage, beauty, intellect, wealth, knowledge, austerity).
- Makes one disdainful of others and blind to the teachings of Jinendra, the path of Dharma, and the advice of gurus.
- Is more destructive than a lion, fire, poison, or a serpent.
- Leads to isolation, as one doesn't interact socially, doesn't extend hospitality, and alienates even friends and family.
- Prevents the attainment of knowledge, fame, wealth, and even worldly happiness.
- Is so ingrained that even wise individuals struggle to overcome it, as seen in the story of Bharat and Bahubali, where a slight pride delayed Bahubali's enlightenment.
Māyā (Deceit/Illusion):
- Manifests as hypocrisy, deceit, cunning, and betrayal.
- Involves outward displays of affection and sweetness while harboring opposite intentions.
- Is more destructive than any physical threat (tiger, fire, poison, weapon, demon).
- Leads to misfortune and negative rebirths (Deva Yonis).
- Destroys integrity, intelligence, and the ability to discern right from wrong.
- Makes one distrusted by everyone, including family.
- Prevents the attainment of Dharma, fame, wealth, and worldly or spiritual success.
- The story of King Vasu illustrates how even a virtuous king fell into hell due to a single act of deceit and false speech.
Lobha (Greed/Attachment):
- The insatiable desire for more, leading to constant dissatisfaction and suffering.
- Drives individuals to take extreme risks (climbing mountains, traversing seas, digging mines).
- Causes individuals to endure hardship, neglect basic needs (sleep, food), and engage in relentless pursuit of wealth.
- Leads to hoarding wealth while living in deprivation (sleeping on broken cots, eating spoiled food, wearing torn clothes).
- Prevents religious activities like building temples, worshipping, and giving charity.
- Causes one to forget the impermanence of wealth and the fact that one comes and goes into the world with nothing.
- The story of Seth Pinyakgandha highlights how greed led to the loss of family, suffering, and ultimately, rebirth in hell.

3. Overcoming Kashayas:

The book emphasizes that overcoming Kashayas is not merely desirable but essential for spiritual progress. It offers suggestions for subduing them:

For Anger (Krodha):
- Avoid the company of angry people.
- Practice silence or distance oneself from anger-inducing situations.
- Count from one to a hundred or drink cold water.
- Permanent Relief: Reflect on whether criticism is true or false. If true, accept it with gratitude for self-improvement. If false, there's no need for anger.
- Attribute suffering to past negative karma, seeing the causing person as merely an instrument.
- Consider that the other person might not understand or the communication style is flawed.
- Recognize that inanimate objects lack consciousness, so anger towards them is self-harm.
For Pride (Māna):
- Recognize that material possessions and status are temporary and due to past karma.
- Understand that one's knowledge is minuscule compared to omniscience.
- Be mindful that pride in favorable circumstances leads to greater suffering in unfavorable ones.
- Associate with people who are wealthier or more knowledgeable to foster humility.
- The company of good people and veneration of the virtuous are antidotes to pride.
For Deceit (Māyā):
- Understand that deceiving others is ultimately deceiving oneself.
- Remember that hidden sins are witnessed by the Omniscient and lead to lower births.
- Embrace simplicity and truthfulness as the essence of life.
- Review daily actions before sleeping, condemn deceitful acts, and resolve not to repeat them.
For Greed (Lobha):
- Contemplate the twelve bhavanas (contemplations).
- Associate with those who have less wealth.
- Reflect on the impermanence of possessions and the fact that one carries nothing into death.
- Question the need for excessive desires when basic needs can be met.

4. The Importance of Renunciation:

The text strongly advocates for the complete abandonment of Kashayas, stating that:

If Kashayas are destroyed, no further penance is needed.
If Kashayas are not destroyed, even extensive penance is futile.
Kashayas are the cause of suffering in all realms of existence and lead to rebirths.
They obstruct the attainment of right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra), which are the paths to liberation.

Conclusion:

"Kashayjay Bhavna" serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, illuminating the destructive nature of anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Through scriptural references, poetic verses, and illustrative stories, it emphasizes the vital necessity of overcoming these internal enemies to achieve true peace, spiritual growth, and ultimately, liberation. The book's accessible style, including its translation and editing, makes these profound teachings understandable and actionable for a wider audience.