Kundakunda Aur Unke Panch Parmagama

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kundakunda Aur Unke Panch Paramagama" by Hukamchand Bharilla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kundakunda Aur Unke Panch Paramagama (Acharya Kundakunda and his Five Paramagamas) Author: Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala, Jaipur

Overview: This book, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur, serves as an introductory guide to the life and teachings of the revered Jain Acharya Kundakunda and his five foundational philosophical works, known as the Panch Paramagamas. The book aims to make the profound spiritual and philosophical content of these ancient Jain texts accessible to a general audience.

Key Aspects of the Book:

1. Introduction to Acharya Kundakunda:

   • The book establishes Acharya Kundakunda as a paramount figure in the Digambara Jain monastic tradition, emphasizing his immense respect and the continuing lineage of his teachings.
   • It highlights his unique position, often compared to an elephant's foot encompassing all others in the lineage.
   • Evidence from inscriptions and traditional accounts points to his reverence, his possible birth in Koṇḍakundapura (Karnataka), and his discipleship under Bhadrabahu (though the exact relationship is nuanced, with mention of him being a "gamakguru" or tradition-passing guru).
   • His various names, including Padmanandi and Kundakundacharya, are discussed, as are his believed spiritual powers, such as levitation.
   • The text touches upon legends of his journeys to Videha Kṣetra to meet Lord Simandhara.

2. The Panch Paramagamas (Five Supreme Treatises): The book provides a concise overview and summary of the core themes of each of Acharya Kundakunda's major works:

   • Samaysara (The Essence of Time/Self):

     • Considered the pinnacle of Jain spiritual literature, Samaysara is described as the "eye of the world" and the essence of all scriptures.
     • Its central teaching is the realization of the pure, untainted soul, which is beyond the mundane dualities of attachment and aversion, action and inaction, knowledge and ignorance.
     • It emphasizes the distinction between the real self (pure consciousness) and the non-self (body, emotions, karma), advocating for a path of detached observation and self-realization through pure intention.
     • The book details key concepts within Samaysara like the soul as pure knowledge, the illusory nature of worldly experience, the condemnation of both auspicious and inauspicious karma as binding, the importance of non-attachment, and the path to liberation through pure consciousness.

   • Pravachanasara (The Essence of Teachings):

     • This work is presented as the essence of the Jina's divine discourse, focusing on the principles of knowledge and the knowable (self and non-self).
     • It's structured into three main sections: the teaching of knowledge, the teaching of the knowable, and the essence of conduct.
     • Pravachanasara distinguishes between pure consciousness (which leads to liberation) and impure consciousness (which perpetuates the cycle of birth and death), emphasizing the importance of right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.
     • It also delves into the classification of souls and their states, the nature of worldly suffering, and the ultimate goal of liberation.

   • Panchastikaya Sangraha (Collection of Five Existential Entities):

     • This is an introductory text that lays the foundation for understanding Jain cosmology and ontology.
     • It systematically explains the five fundamental categories (astikayas) of existence: soul (jiva), non-soul (ajiva) which is further divided into matter (pudgala), principle of motion (dharma), principle of rest (adharma), space (akasha), and time (kala).
     • The book details the characteristics, attributes, and functions of each of these entities, providing a framework for understanding the Jain worldview. It also explains the concept of "nava tattvas" (nine realities) as the path to liberation.

   • Niyamasara (The Essence of Rules/Discipline):

     • Niyamasara is characterized as a deeply personal and internal work, reflecting Acharya Kundakunda's own dispassion and spiritual fervor.
     • It focuses on the disciplined path to liberation, emphasizing the self's innate purity and the means to attain it through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
     • The text outlines the principles of righteous living, the shedding of worldly attachments and negative emotions, and the cultivation of inner purity through practices like meditation and detachment.

   • Ashtapahuda (Eight Sections/Paahudas):

     • This work is highlighted as a strong commentary against prevalent laxity and corruption within the monastic community.
     • It comprises eight distinct sections, each addressing a specific aspect of Jain spiritual practice and ethics: Darshana (Right Faith), Sutra (Scriptures), Charitra (Conduct), Bodha (Knowledge/Wisdom), Bhava (Inner State), Moksha (Liberation), Linga (Ascetic Appearance), and Sheela (Virtue).
     • The book emphasizes the paramount importance of right faith (Samayaktva) as the root of all religion, the necessity of adhering to scriptures, the correct understanding of ascetic conduct, and the distinction between true spiritual practice and outward show.
     • It strongly criticizes those who adopt the ascetic lifestyle without inner spiritual purity, comparing them to lifeless bodies or animals.

3. Kundakunda Shataka (A Hundred Verses of Kundakunda):

   • The book concludes with a section called "Kundakunda Shataka," which presents a selection of 101 (101) important verses from the Panch Paramagamas.
   • These verses are presented with a simple explanation and a poetic translation into Hindi, making them easily understandable and memorable. This section is intended to offer a taste of the profound teachings of Kundakunda.

4. Author's Intent and Style:

   • Dr. Hukamchand Bharilla writes with deep reverence for Acharya Kundakunda, whom he considers a personal inspiration.
   • His writing style is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and accessibility, aiming to convey the complex philosophical ideas of the Panch Paramagamas to a broad audience, including those with limited time or prior knowledge.
   • He emphasizes that his work is a distillation of his deep study and contemplation of Kundakunda's texts, not a display of scholarly erudition but a heartfelt sharing of spiritual insights.

5. Significance and Impact:

   • The book is presented as a valuable resource for those seeking an introduction to Acharya Kundakunda and his seminal works.
   • The success of the first edition, selling out 5,200 copies in a single month, is noted as a significant achievement, indicating a strong demand for such accessible Jain literature.
   • The text also mentions other related publications and research, highlighting the ongoing efforts to disseminate the teachings of Acharya Kundakunda.

In essence, "Kundakunda Aur Unke Panch Paramagama" serves as a gateway to understanding the profound philosophical and spiritual legacy of Acharya Kundakunda, making his core teachings accessible and inspiring for a wider audience interested in Jainism.