Krambaddha Paryaya Nirdeshika

The book "Krambaddha Paryaya Nirdeshika" (क्रमबद्धपर्याय : निर्देशिका) by Abhaykumar Jain, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, is a guide designed to aid in the teaching and understanding of Dr. Hukumchandji Bharill's work, "Krambaddha Paryaya" (क्रमबद्धपर्याय). This comprehensive guide aims to make the complex Jain philosophical concept of "Krambaddha Paryaya" accessible to a wider audience, including students, preachers, and spiritual seekers.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the book:

Core Concept: Krambaddha Paryaya (क्रमबद्धपर्याय)

• Definition: "Krambaddha Paryaya" refers to the concept that every event, every transformation (Paryaya) of every substance (Dravya) occurs in a predetermined, sequential, systematic, and independent manner. This sequence is governed by the inherent nature of the substance, the specific time, location, and contributing factors, and is known in its entirety by Omniscient beings (Sarvajna).
• Key Characteristics: The book elaborates on the characteristics of this sequential nature:
  • Kram se hona (क्रम से होना): Occurring sequentially, one after another.
  • Niyamit hona (नियमित होना): Occurring regularly and predictably according to a set order.
  • Vyavasthit hona (व्यवस्थित होना): Occurring systematically, with a proper arrangement of causes and conditions.
  • Swatantra hona (स्वतंत्र होना): Occurring independently based on the substance's own potential, not dictated by external desires or forces.

Purpose and Audience:

• Teaching Aid: Primarily intended as a teaching manual for the book "Krambaddha Paryaya."
• Accessibility: To make the complex philosophical concept understandable for general audiences, students, and those conducting spiritual discourses.
• Deepening Understanding: To facilitate a deeper comprehension of the principles of Jain philosophy through the lens of Krambaddha Paryaya.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into several chapters, each delving into different aspects of Krambaddha Paryaya and its related philosophical concepts. Key chapters and their themes include:

• Author's Introduction ("Apni Baat"): The author shares his personal journey, his connection with spiritual masters like Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami and Dr. Hukumchandji Bharill, and how the concept of Krambaddha Paryaya profoundly impacted his life and thinking. He expresses his gratitude and dedication to spreading this knowledge.

• Analysis of Krambaddha Paryaya ("Krambaddha Paryaya: Ek Anushilan"):

  • Introduction: Discusses the societal context and the need for a deeper, purely philosophical and spiritual understanding of Krambaddha Paryaya, lamenting its misinterpretation or trivialization.
  • Meaning and Characteristics: Explains the core definition and the four key characteristics (sequential, regular, systematic, independent) with examples like plays, natural phenomena, and life stages.
  • Agama Proofs (Scriptural Evidence): Presents numerous scriptural references and quotes from Jain texts (like Samaysar, Kartikeyanupreksha, etc.) to scientifically and philosophically establish the doctrine of Krambaddha Paryaya.
  • Omniscience (Sarvajnata) as the Foundation: Argues that the concept of Omniscience is the strongest proof for Krambaddha Paryaya, as only an Omniscient being can know the complete, predetermined sequence of all events.
  • Addressing Objections and Misconceptions: Debunks common misunderstandings, such as equating Krambaddha Paryaya with fatalism or determinism, and clarifies how it aligns with Jain philosophy's emphasis on self-effort (Purushartha).
  • The Five Samavayas (Five Co-efficients/Factors): Explains the five essential factors for the origination of any event: inherent nature (Swabhav), effort (Purushartha), destiny/predestination (Bhavitavya/Niyati), specific time (Kalalabdhi), and external causes/conditions (Nimitta). It emphasizes their harmonious interplay rather than a conflict.
  • Ankanta (Non-absolutism) and Krambaddha Paryaya: Explains how Krambaddha Paryaya is consistent with the Jain principle of Anekaanta (non-absolutism), and how interpretations that lead to rigid determinism are a misrepresentation. It also clarifies the nuances of "Anekaanta within Anekaanta."
  • Reconciling Krambaddha Paryaya and Purushartha: A significant portion is dedicated to demonstrating how accepting Krambaddha Paryaya does not negate or diminish the importance of individual effort (Purushartha). Instead, it redirects Purushartha towards self-realization and understanding the true nature of reality.
  • The Role of Omniscience in Decision Making: Highlights that faith in Omniscience and understanding Krambaddha Paryaya leads to a stable mind, acceptance of circumstances, and the cessation of anxiety about the past and future.
  • "Akartevaad" (Non-doership): Explains the Jain doctrine of non-doership in the context of Krambaddha Paryaya, emphasizing that while substances undergo transformations, no substance is the "doer" of another's transformation.
  • "Trilakshan Parinam Paddhati" (The Threefold Principle of Transformation): Discusses how every entity undergoes origination (Utpatti), decay (Vya), and permanence (Dhrouvya) simultaneously, contributing to the ordered nature of reality.
  • "Bhavitavyata" (Predestination/What is to happen): Explains the concept of Bhavitavyata and how it aligns with the predetermined sequence of events, without negating the role of causes and conditions.
  • "Akal Mrityu" (Untimely Death) and "Akaalanay" (Untimely Causation): Addresses apparent contradictions, such as untimely deaths or events occurring through artificial means, and explains them within the framework of Krambaddha Paryaya and the concept of "swakaal" (one's own time).

• Question & Answer Sections: The book includes various Q&A sections (General, Important, and Relevant) to reinforce learning and address specific queries. These sections systematically break down the concepts and provide clear explanations.

Underlying Philosophy:

The book draws heavily on the teachings of prominent Jain acharyas and spiritual leaders, particularly Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami and Dr. Hukumchandji Bharill, emphasizing:

• Importance of Omniscience: True understanding of Jain principles, including Krambaddha Paryaya, is rooted in the belief and understanding of Omniscience.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate aim of understanding Krambaddha Paryaya is to realize one's own inherent nature as a pure, detached self (Jakyak Swabhav), free from the illusion of doership (Kartrutva).
• Detachment: By understanding that events unfold according to a set order, one can cultivate detachment from worldly outcomes, leading to inner peace and liberation.
• Correct Purushartha: It clarifies that true Purushartha lies not in trying to alter external events but in self-effort towards spiritual purification and realization.

Overall Message:

"Krambaddha Paryaya Nirdeshika" serves as an invaluable guide to understanding a profound Jain philosophical tenet. It aims to equip readers with a clear, rational, and scripturally supported perspective on the sequential and ordered nature of the universe, thereby fostering detachment, correct understanding of Purushartha, and ultimately, the path to spiritual liberation. The book's pedagogical approach, with its detailed explanations, scriptural references, and question-answer formats, makes it a practical tool for both learning and teaching this vital doctrine.