Kriya Parinam Aur Abhipray - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kriya Parinam aur Abhipray" (Action, Result, and Intent) by Abhaykumar Jain, based on the provided pages:

This book, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, is a detailed exploration of three fundamental concepts in Jain philosophy: Kriya (Action), Parinam (Result/Outcome), and Abhipray (Intent/Attitude/Belief). The author, Abhaykumar Jain, dedicates this work to a deeper understanding of these terms, drawing heavily from the teachings of Acharya Kundakunda and the foundational text "Mokshamarg Prakashak" by Pandit Todarmalji, particularly its seventh chapter.

Core Theme: The central argument of the book is that while actions (Kriya) and their immediate results (Parinam) are observable, the true determinant of spiritual progress and bondage/liberation lies in the Abhipray (Intent/Belief/Attitude). The book aims to reveal the subtle nuances of these concepts and their profound impact on an individual's spiritual journey, emphasizing that a misunderstanding of "Abhipray" can lead to spiritual downfall, even with seemingly virtuous actions and results.

Key Concepts Explained:

Kriya (Action):
- In a broad sense, Kriya is the transformation or change of states in any substance.
- However, in the context of this book, "Kriya" refers specifically to external actions, both mundane (eating, walking) and religious (fasting, worship, charity, penance, vows, self-control). These are considered modifications of the physical substance (Pudgala).
- External actions are described as the "packaging" (peking) of the true essence. They are the most gross and observable aspect.
Parinam (Result/Outcome/Mental State):
- Parinam refers to the internal states or feelings of the soul, such as passion (Raga), aversion (Dvesha), merit (Punya), demerit (Paap), and more subtle states like contemplation, joy, sorrow, anger, pride, deceit, greed, etc. These are also considered modifications of the soul (Jiva).
- While often associated with external actions (actions are done because of certain states, and states influence actions), actions and results can be independent. For example, a skilled driver can perform the action of driving while engaging in other mental activities.
- Parinams are more subtle than Kriya and are directly experienced by the individual. They are the "mal" (the actual substance or content) that is "packaged."
- The book emphasizes that the results (Parinam) are what truly bind or liberate the soul, not the external actions themselves.
Abhipray (Intent/Belief/Attitude/Conviction):
- Abhipray is the deepest and most subtle layer, referring to one's fundamental belief, conviction, or attitude about reality. It's the underlying viewpoint or conviction that shapes one's perceptions and motivations.
- It's synonymous with faith, perspective, intention, or conviction. In Jainism, it's closely linked to Shraddha (faith/belief) and the correctness or incorrectness of one's fundamental understanding of the seven tattvas (realities).
- Misplaced Abhipray (Mithya Abhipray) is the root cause of spiritual error and bondage. It's described as the "hidden traitor" that needs to be eradicated.
- The author uses the analogy of a "hidden traitor" or "gaddar mithyatva" to illustrate how Abhipray, unlike overt negative actions or emotions, operates subtly from within, often unrecognized.
- Abhipray is the ultimate "mal" or essence that dictates the quality of both Parinam and Kriya.

Key Arguments and Insights:

The Primacy of Abhipray: The book strongly argues that the true spiritual quality and impact of an action or a mental state are determined by the underlying Abhipray. A seemingly virtuous action or positive mental state performed with a "Mithya Abhipray" (incorrect belief) is ultimately ineffective for liberation and can even lead to further bondage.
The "Mal and Peking" Analogy: This is a recurring and crucial analogy. The "Mal" (goods/content) represents the true spiritual essence (e.g., the soul's pure nature, genuine detachment, liberation). The "Peking" (packaging) represents external actions, vows, penances, or even purified mental states. A correct Abhipray ensures that the "Mal" is present within the "Peking" (e.g., performing vows with the intent of spiritual progress). Incorrect Abhipray means the "Peking" is there, but the "Mal" is absent or corrupted (e.g., performing vows for social prestige or superficial piety).
Subtlety and Influence: Kriya is the most gross, Parinam is more subtle, and Abhipray is the most subtle yet the most impactful. Abhipray, though not directly visible, dictates the direction and quality of Parinam, which in turn influences Kriya.
Misconceptions about Actions and Results: The book critiques the common tendency to focus solely on external actions (Kriya) or immediate results (Parinam) without examining the underlying intent (Abhipray). It highlights that even individuals performing great austerities (like Dravyalangi munis) can remain on the path of transmigration if their fundamental beliefs (Abhipray) are incorrect.
The Nature of "Mithya Drishti": The book delves into various types of "Mithya Drishti" (those with incorrect views), particularly the Vyavaharabhasis (those who mistake external conduct for the true path). It shows how these individuals, despite correct external actions or even positive mental states, remain bound due to their underlying incorrect beliefs.
The Role of Faith and Knowledge: True spiritual progress requires not just outward conformity or virtuous states but a correct understanding and belief in the nature of the soul and its liberated state (Samya-Drishti, Samya-Gyan, Samya-Charitra).
The Importance of "Why": The author advocates for introspection by constantly asking "why" behind one's actions and feelings. This process can help reveal the underlying Abhipray. For example, "Why do I worship?" "Why do I fast?" The ultimate answers often point to one's core beliefs about happiness, suffering, and liberation.
The "Hidden Traitor" (Mithyatva): The core of the book's message is that wrong belief (Mithyatva) is the hidden, insidious cause of continued suffering and rebirth. It's like a traitor within, subtly undermining all virtuous efforts.

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured logically, moving from definition to impact and practical application:

Chapter 1: Introduction (Bhumiika): Sets the context of suffering and the soul's eternal quest for happiness, highlighting the need to understand the causes of bondage and liberation.
Chapter 2: The Nature of Kriya, Parinam, and Abhipray: Defines and differentiates these three key terms.
Chapter 3: The Place of Kriya, Parinam, and Abhipray in Life: Discusses their roles and how they manifest in daily existence, using analogies like stage curtains.
Chapter 4: The Gradual Subtlety of Kriya, Parinam, and Abhipray: Explains how these concepts become progressively finer and more profound.
Chapter 5: The Impact of Kriya, Parinam, and Abhipray on Life: Examines how each affects worldly interactions, happiness/unhappiness, and the cycle of birth and death.
Chapter 6: Kriya, Parinam, and Abhipray in the Context of Efforts for Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): This is a core analytical chapter, detailing how incorrect Abhipray can corrupt even seemingly virtuous actions and results, using the example of Dravyalangi munis and other Vyavaharabhasi (those mistaking external for true practice) individuals.
Chapter 7: Questions and Answers: Includes objective questions to reinforce understanding.

Overall Message:

"Kriya Parinam aur Abhipray" is a profound discourse that urges readers to look beyond outward observances and inner emotional states to the fundamental beliefs and convictions that shape their entire existence. It emphasizes that true spiritual progress in Jainism hinges on purifying one's Abhipray, which is the bedrock of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. The book serves as a guide to dissect one's inner motivations and beliefs, recognizing that a misplaced Abhipray is the ultimate obstacle to achieving liberation.