Labdhisara - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Labdhisara" by Manoharlal Shastri, based on the provided text:

Title: Labdhisara (also known as Kshapanasara-garbhita) Author: Shrimanne Michandra Siddhanta Chakravarti Commentary (Sanskrit): Compiled by Pandit Manoharlal Shastri Commentary (Hindi): Compiled by Pandit Manoharlal Shastri (brief Hindi commentary) Publisher: Shree Paramshruta Prabhavak Mandal, Bombay Publication Year: Veer Nirvana Samvat 2442, Vikram Samvat 1973 (1916 CE)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Labdhisara" is presented as a supplementary or appendix part of "Gomatsara." While "Gomatsara" extensively details the nature of the soul and karmas, "Labdhisara" focuses on the means of liberation from these karmas. The text specifically highlights the overwhelming power of Mohaniya Karma (delusion-inducing karma), particularly Darshan Mohaniya (belief-delusion), which keeps the soul trapped in the cycle of birth and death. The core aim of "Labdhisara" is to explain the path to overcome these karmas and achieve the soul's naturally blissful state.

Key Sections and Concepts:

The book is structured around the process of karma liberation, broadly covering:

The Five Labilities (Labdhis): The text begins by detailing the five types of "labilities" (gains or attainments) that are crucial for shedding the Darshan Mohaniya karma and attaining Samyaktva (right belief), the foundational step towards liberation.
- Kshayopasham Labdhi: This refers to the purification achieved through the partial destruction and suppression of karma. It involves the sequential decrease in the intensity of karmic influx.
- Vishuddhi Labdhi: This is the attainment of purity through the refinement of the soul's dispositions. It's a result of the gradual decrease in the severity of karmic influx and an increase in purity.
- Deshna Labdhi: This is the attainment of right teaching or guidance, either through an enlightened teacher or through the latent impressions of past virtuous deeds.
- Prayogya Labdhi: This is the attainment of the capacity to perform the necessary actions for liberation, such as the capacity to undergo the stages of spiritual advancement.
- Karan Labdhi: This is the most crucial labdhi, leading to the actual shedding of delusion. It encompasses the three stages of spiritual transformation:
  - Adhahkarana: The initial stage of downward purification.
  - Apūrvakarana: The stage of unprecedented spiritual progress.
  - Anivrittikaraṇa: The stage of continuous, non-regressing spiritual progress.
Overcoming Mohaniya Karma: The primary focus is on shedding Darshan Mohaniya. The text explains how the attainment of Karan Labdhi leads to the destruction of Mohaniya karma, paving the way for Samyaktva.
Attaining Charitra (Conduct): After establishing right belief (Samyaktva), the text details the path to achieving right conduct (Charitra), which involves the suppression or destruction of Charitra Mohaniya karma. This is explained through the process of upasham (suppression) and kshaya (destruction) of Charitra Mohaniya.
Shedding Other Karmas: Following the liberation from Mohaniya karma, the text outlines the methods for shedding the remaining karmas (Jñānāvaraṇa, Darshanāvaraṇa, Antarāya, and the remaining portions of Mohaniya). This involves understanding the intricate processes of karma transformation like:
- Bandha (Bondage): How karmas are bound to the soul.
- Udaya (Manifestation): How karmas bear fruit.
- Udirana (Expulsion): The premature manifestation of karma.
- Satva (Existence): The inherent existence of karma.
- Sankrama (Transmutation): Changing the nature of a karma into another.
- Apavartana/Utkarshana: Reducing the intensity or duration of karma.
- Nidhati/Nikaachana: The irreversible and irreversible states of karma.
- Kshapaṇa (Destruction): The complete annihilation of karma.
- Upashama (Suppression): The temporary suppression of karma.
Stages of Spiritual Progression (Gunasthānas): The text implicitly or explicitly discusses the spiritual stages a soul passes through during its journey to liberation, from the lowest (mithyatva) to the highest (Keval Jñāna).
The Role of the Ponderable (Labdhi) and the Impenetrable (Asamvedya): The text delves into the concept of how certain spiritual stages involve "ponderable" aspects (what can be understood and attained) and "impenetrable" aspects (what is beyond direct experience or attained through inference).
The Final Stages of Liberation: The book concludes by describing the state of the liberated soul (Siddha), emphasizing its attributes of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and the absence of all karmic bondage.

Significance of the Text:

Practical Guidance: "Labdhisara" provides practical guidance for Jain ascetics and lay followers on the specific steps and processes involved in spiritual advancement and karma elimination.
In-depth Analysis of Mohaniya Karma: It offers a detailed analysis of the most formidable karma, Mohaniya, and the gradual methods to overcome its influence.
Connection to Gomatsara: It serves as a vital companion text to "Gomatsara," offering a deeper understanding of the practical application of the theoretical knowledge presented in the latter.
Historical and Scholarly Value: The text, with its Sanskrit and Hindi commentaries, offers valuable insights into Jain philosophy and the contributions of scholars like Nemicandra and Manoharlal Shastri.

Structure and Style:

The book is structured in chapters or sections dedicated to different stages of liberation, starting with the attainment of right belief and progressing through various stages of conduct and karma destruction. The language is technical, using specific Jain philosophical terms, but the provided commentary aims to make it accessible. The inclusion of a detailed index (Gatha suchi) of verses further aids in navigating the text.

In essence, "Labdhisara" is a profound manual for spiritual liberation in Jainism, meticulously detailing the systematic process of eradicating karmas, particularly the powerful Mohaniya karma, through various stages of spiritual discipline and understanding.