Mahabandho Part 7

This detailed summary covers the essence of "Mahabandho Part 7," authored by Bhutbali and edited/translated by Pt. Phoolchandra Siddhantashastri, published by Bharatiya Jnanpith. It is Volume VII of the "Moortidevi Jain Granthamala" series. The work is a significant part of the "Mahadhvala Siddhanta Shastra."

Core Concepts:

• Mahabandho (Great Bond): The text delves into the "great bond" of existence, which is primarily identified with Moh (delusion) and Raga-Dvesha (attachment-aversion). These are collectively termed "Karma." The book explains that this bond is not merely a concept but a tangible reality that binds the soul (Jiva) to the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), leading to suffering and happiness.
• Karma: Karma is described as both "dravyakarma" (material karma, subtle particles that attach to the soul) and "bhāvakarma" (psychic karma, the passions like attachment, aversion, delusion). There is an eternal, beginningless cycle of these two influencing each other, leading to the soul's transmigration.
• Nature of Karma: The text clarifies that the soul (Jiva) and karma (Dravya) are distinct. The soul is pure consciousness, while karma is inert matter. However, due to an eternal, cause-and-effect relationship, they appear to be bound together. Karma's primary function is to keep the soul trapped in Samsara.
• Four Types of Bondage (Bandha): Mahabandho extensively elaborates on the fourfold bondage of karma:
  1. Prakriti Bandha (Nature of Karma): This deals with the classification of karmas into their fundamental types and their various subdivisions (uttara prakriti). The book, especially its initial parts, focuses on explaining the inherent nature of these karmas.
  2. Sthiti Bandha (Duration of Karma): This refers to the specific time period for which a particular karma remains attached to the soul.
  3. Anubhaga Bandha (Intensity of Karma): This relates to the potency or the strength with which the karma ripens, determining the quality of the resultant experience (pleasant or unpleasant).
  4. Pradesha Bandha (Quantity of Karma): This refers to the measure or extent of karma that binds to the soul's subtle body, measured in terms of the soul's essential qualities (pradeshas).

Structure and Content (as indicated by the summary and index):

• Seven Volumes: The work is presented in seven parts or volumes.
• Fourth Chapter/Section: Pradesha Bandh-adhikara: Volume 7 specifically focuses on the "Pradesha Bandh-adhikara," detailing the analysis of the quantity of karma bound.
• Key Topics Covered in the Summary:
  • Definition of Mahabandho: Explaining the concept of "great bondage."
  • Nature of Karma: Explaining karma as both material and psychic, and their eternal interrelation.
  • Cause of Bondage: Identifying mithyātva (false belief), asaṁyama (lack of self-control), kaṣāya (passions), and yoga (activity of mind, speech, and body) as the primary causes of karma bondage.
  • The Cycle of Samsara: Describing how karma leads to birth, old age, death, suffering, the acquisition of a body, senses, and the experience of worldly pleasures, thus perpetuating the cycle.
  • Detailed Analysis of Karmas: The summary touches upon the classification of the 148 uttara prakriti (subtypes) of karma, highlighting the 8 principal karmas (Jñānāvaraṇīya, Darśanāvaraṇīya, Vedanīya, Mohanīya, Āyu, Nāmā, Gotra, and Antarāya).
  • Specific Discussions (across the seven parts, as indicated):
    • Volume 1: Prakriti Bandh-adhikara: Focuses on the nature and classification of karmas.
    • Volumes 2 & 3: Sthiti Bandha: Detailed explanation of the duration of karmas.
    • Volumes 4 & 5: Anubhaga Bandha: Detailed explanation of the intensity of karmas.
    • Volumes 6 & 7: Pradesha Bandha: Detailed explanation of the quantity of karmas, including sections on:
      • Kshetra Prarūpaṇā (Area/Region): Analyzing the spatial extent related to karma bondage.
      • Sparśanā Prarūpaṇā (Touch/Contact): Analyzing the nature of contact between the soul and karma.
      • Kāla Prarūpaṇā (Time): Analyzing the temporal aspects of karma bondage.
      • Antara Prarūpaṇā (Interval): Analyzing the intervals between karma bondages.
      • Bhāva Prarūpaṇā (State/Disposition): Analyzing the psychic states that lead to bondage.
      • Alpabahutva Prarūpaṇā (Quantity Comparison): Comparing the relative quantities of different karmas or their states.
  • The Role of the Soul's Own Capacity: Emphasizing that karma bondage is a result of the soul's own internal states (bhāvas) like delusion, attachment, and aversion, rather than external factors.
  • The Goal of Jainism: Highlighting vītarāgatā (freedom from passion) as the ultimate aim, achieved through self-discipline, penance, and spiritual awakening.

Publisher's Information:

• Bharatiya Jnanpith: A prominent publisher dedicated to researching, editing, and publishing Jain literature in various ancient languages, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Jain knowledge.
• Moortidevi Jain Granthamala: This series aims to publish comprehensive Jain texts with critical editing and translations to make them accessible to a wider audience.

In essence, "Mahabandho Part 7" is a profound and intricate exploration of the Jain theory of karma, specifically focusing on the quantitative aspect of karmic bondage (Pradesha Bandha) within the broader framework of the soul's journey through Samsara. It meticulously details the conditions, causes, and characteristics of karmic influx, offering a philosophical and analytical understanding of the mechanism of bondage and liberation as taught in Jainism.