Kundakunda Acharya And Jain Philosophy - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary synthesizes the provided Jain text, "Acharya Kundakunda and Jain Philosophy" by Dr. Jayantilal Jain, detailing its content and significance within Jainism.

Overall Scope and Purpose:

The book is a collection of lectures delivered by Dr. Jayantilal Jain under the auspices of the Annual Lecture Series at the Department of Jainology, University of Madras. It aims to shed light on the profound contributions of Acharya Kundakunda to Jain philosophy, emphasizing his role in preserving and re-establishing the teachings of Lord Mahavira. The publication, supported by the Research Foundation for Jainology, Chennai, seeks to make Kundakunda's complex ideology accessible in simple English for scholars and general readers alike.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction to Acharya Kundakunda:
- Immense Importance: Kundakunda Acharya is presented as a pivotal figure in Jain philosophy, whose teachings are considered indispensable for understanding Jainism. His scriptures are likened to a magnificent garland of pearls, consolidating the works of other Acharyas.
- Re-establishment of Mahavira's Teachings: Approximately 600 years after Lord Mahavira's Nirvana, Kundakunda is credited with re-establishing Mahavira's teachings with their original depth and spirit, ensuring their continuity for over two thousand years.
- Focus on the Pure Self: His philosophy is described as a "science of self-modification" and a "shortcut to self-realization and Moksha" (liberation), primarily focusing on understanding and achieving the "pure self" (Shuddhatma).
Historical Importance:
- Shaping Jain Philosophical Literature: Kundakunda's philosophy has significantly shaped Jain philosophical literature over the last two millennia.
- Transmission of Knowledge: He is positioned as the third most prominent Acharya after Lord Mahavira and Gautam Ganadhar, crucial in transmitting the twelve-fold "Ang Jnan" after its knowledge began to fade.
- Nishchaya and Vyavahara: The text explains how Kundakunda's tradition focused on the "real" or "pure" point of view (Nishchaya), contrasting it with the "associated" or "impure" point of view (Vyavahara) that describes worldly existence.
- Authenticity: His scriptures are considered as authentic as the utterances of Ganadharas, and scholars have historically quoted him to validate their own works.
- Connection to Seemandhar Swamy: A significant claim is made that Kundakunda received divine knowledge directly from Tirthankara Seemandhar Swamy of Mahavideha, making his teachings invaluable for understanding the true path.
- "Omniscient of Kalikal": He is referred to as the "Omniscient of Kalikal" (the current era) and possessed other names like Padmanandi, Vakragreeva Acharya, Ela Acharya, and Griddhapicha Acharya.
- Influence on Tattvartha Sutra: The book highlights the significant influence of Kundakunda's works on Umaswami's Tattvartha Sutra, a foundational text in Jainism. Table 1 provides detailed correlations between sutras in Tattvartha Sutra and couplets in Kundakunda's works.
- Generational Impact: Table 2 illustrates the continuous influence of Kundakunda Acharya on scholars and saints across centuries, from the 1st to the 20th century AD.
Life of Acharya Kundakunda:
- Biographical Accounts: The book presents several biographical narratives, including a story of a cowherd named Kaundesh who was transformed by an ascetic's teachings, suggesting a past life connection.
- Birthplace and Names: He was born as the son of a wealthy merchant named Kunda Shreshthi and Kundalata, in Kaund Kundepur, Southern India. His given name was Padmanandi. Various theories about his birthplace (e.g., Rajasthan) and the authenticity of certain scriptural references are discussed.
- Asceticism and Spiritual Attainments: The narrative details his early inclination towards spirituality, his initiation as a Jain Muni under Acharya Jinachandra, his rigorous penance, and his alleged ability to walk in the sky.
- Visit to Mahavideha: A significant event recounted is his journey to Mahavideha to have a direct glimpse of Tirthankara Seemandhar and gain subtle knowledge of Jinvani (teachings of the Jinas).
- Ponnur Malai: This location in Tamil Nadu is identified as a significant site where Kundakunda accomplished ascetic feats and possibly wrote his works, including Samayasara.
- Palliwal Caste: Records suggest he was born into the Palliwal caste, although this is debated by some scholars.
- Lifespan and Disciples: He is believed to have lived for approximately 95 years, and his teachings were continued by subsequent Jain monks.
Acharya Kundakunda's Works:
- Five Major Works: The book identifies five of his works as the "best ever written Jain Scriptures":
  - Panchastikayasangraha: Discusses the six eternal substances (Soul, Atom, Dharma, Adharma, Space, Time) and the nature of the universe (vastuvyavastha). It introduces the seven bhangas (modes of predication) and the nine tattvas (elements).
  - Pravachanasara: Focuses on right conduct (Dharma), equanimity, and the nature of knowledge, the knowable, and conduct. It elaborates on the three states of Bhavas (pure, good, bad) and the concept of omniscience (Sarvajnata).
  - Niyamasara: Defines "Niyam" as right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. It emphasizes "Paramaparinamikabhava" (permanent nature of the soul) as the key to salvation and discusses cause-and-effect relationships.
  - Ashtapahud: A collection of eight "Pahudas" (gifts), aimed at dispelling misconceptions and reviving eternal values of knowledge and conduct. It highlights "Darshan" (right faith) as the foundation of Dharma.
  - Samayasara: Considered his greatest work, described as "Shabdabrahma" (God in words). It delves into the "pure self" (Samaya-Sara), distinguishing it from impure states and elaborating on its infinite properties.
- Other Works: Mentions of other works like "Kural" (a Tamil composition debated for its Jain origin and authorship) and "Barasa Anuvekkha" (discussing twelve Bhavanas or reflections) are also present.
- Controversial Works: The book also addresses works like "Parikarma," "Moolachar," and "Rayanasar," where the authorship of Kundakunda Acharya is debated by scholars.
Philosophy:
- Objective: Becoming Bhagwan: The central objective of Kundakunda's philosophy is to help individuals achieve the state of "Bhagwan" – the purest self, or Moksha.
- Path to Arihant: He outlines a three-fold process to become an Arihant (a liberated being): understanding the Arihant's state, understanding one's own self and its differences from an Arihant, and developing right faith and knowledge, leading to right conduct and karma annihilation.
- Main Principles:
  - Shuddhatma (Pure Soul): The core concept, emphasizing its absolute purity and its significance for salvation.
  - Jnanee-Ajnanee: Distinguishing between those who have attained self-realization (Jnanee) and those who haven't (Ajnanee), regardless of external knowledge.
  - Sarvajnata (Omniscience): The divine knowledge of all things, elaborated in Pravachanasara.
  - Jnana-Jneya Sambandh (Knowledge-Knowable Relationship): The principle that knowledge and the knowable exist independently but the soul (knowledge) knows all knowables.
  - Kramabaddha Paryaya (Systematic Forms): The idea that all events unfold in a predetermined sequence.
  - Akarthavad (Non-Creation): No substance can create or modify another; changes occur due to inherent causal factors.
  - Nimitta-Upadana (External Force - Internal Force): The distinction between external influences and the internal cause that brings about an action.
  - Bhedavijnana (Differentiation): The crucial understanding that the soul is distinct from the body and all other external objects.
  - Punya-Papa (Good Action-Sinful Action): Both actions bind the soul and do not lead to salvation, acting like iron and golden chains.
  - Six Matters: The fundamental components of the universe.
  - Nine Tattvas: A classification of realities that are important for understanding the path to Moksha.
  - Twelve Bhavanas: Reflections that foster detachment.
  - Munidharma: The essential duties of a monk, emphasizing constant meditation on the pure self.
The Pure Self - Key to Moksha:
- Perception Change: The journey to Moksha begins with perceiving oneself as the pure self.
- Characteristics of Pure Self: A detailed description of the pure self is provided, highlighting its attributes like Jivatva (life), Chiti (consciousness), Jnan (knowledge), Sukh (bliss), Potency, Independence, Omni-vision, Omniscience, Transparency, Self-illuminating nature, Unlimited-Growth, Non-Cause-Effect relation, Cognitive-Cognisable, Devoid of Sacrifice-Acceptance, Sustenance, Changeability, Abstract nature, Non-performer, Non-rejoicer, Untremulousness, Definite Dimension, Self-pervasiveness, Infinite Nature, Reality, Unreal, Oneness, Non-exclusiveness, and various combinations of existence and non-existence.
- Infinite Properties: While 47 properties are listed, the text acknowledges that the pure self has infinite such properties.
Process of Purification (Recapitulations):
- Unbundling Bondage: This involves replacing misconceptions with right concepts, preventing further karma influx through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
- Karma Annihilation: The path involves shedding karma, achieving the status of Arihant by annihilating four specific karmas, and finally attaining Moksha by destroying the remaining karmas, leading to the Siddha state of eternal bliss.
- Kundakunda's Enduring Legacy: The book concludes by emphasizing that Kundakunda Acharya's teachings will continue to guide humanity towards Moksha for millennia, even after his own soul achieves liberation.

In essence, "Acharya Kundakunda and Jain Philosophy" serves as an insightful exploration into the foundational philosophy of Jainism as expounded by one of its most influential Acharyas. It underscores Kundakunda's pivotal role in preserving and propagating the core principles of Jainism, particularly the concept of the pure self and its attainment through rigorous spiritual discipline.