Panchastikaya Samaysara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Panchastikaya Samaysara" by Acharya Kund Kund, as explained by Jaganmohanlal Jain:

This text, "Panchastikaya Samaysara," authored by Acharya Kund Kund and explained by Jaganmohanlal Jain, is a foundational Jain scripture that delves into the fundamental nature of reality from a pure spiritual perspective. The author highlights the immense respect accorded to Acharya Kund Kund by all Digambara Jain ascetics, even referring to him as "Bhagwan Kund Kund" to express their deep reverence. It's noted that Kund Kund had the privilege of hearing the direct teachings of Lord Simandhar, the first Tirthankara, in Videha Kshetra, which further validates his teachings.

The text traces the lineage of Jain spiritual leadership from Lord Mahavir, through Kevalis (those with complete knowledge) like Gautam Gandhar and Sudharma Acharya, to Shrut Kevalis (those who know all scriptures) and then to scholars who knew portions of the scriptures. The "Shatkhandagama," composed by Acharyas Shridharasena and Bhutabali-Pushpadanta, represents the first Shruta Skandha. The second Shruta Skandha originates from Acharya Gundhar. Acharya Kund Kund received knowledge of the tenth chapter of the fifth Purva, "Pravada," and subsequently authored significant works like "Samaysara," "Pravachanasara," "Niyamasara," and "Panchastikaya."

Core Philosophy: The Importance of Nayas (Perspectives)

A central theme of "Panchastikaya Samaysara" is the explanation of reality through different Nayas or perspectives. The book emphasizes the Dravyarthika Naya, which focuses on the inherent, unchanging nature of substances (dravyas). While actual states of being (Paryayas) exist and are constantly changing, from the Dravyarthika Naya perspective, they are considered secondary to the fundamental substance itself.

Dravyarthika Naya (Substance Perspective): This perspective focuses on the underlying, eternal substance, ignoring the changing states (Paryayas).
Paryayarthika Naya (State Perspective): This perspective focuses on the temporary, changing states of a substance. If one's focus is solely on these changes, it's considered a "Paryaya Drishti."
Pramana Drishti (Valid Cognition): This is a comprehensive view that considers both the substance and its states. From this perspective, all substances are both eternal (as substances) and non-eternal (due to changing states).

Rejection of an External Creator

The text strongly refutes the concept of an external God or creator who controls the universe. Jain philosophy asserts that substances evolve and change according to their inherent nature. Attributing creation and destruction to an external deity leads to an infinite regress ("Anavastha Dosha"). If God is eternal, then substances, which are also eternal in their fundamental nature, should not be denied this characteristic.

The Six Dravyas (Substances) of the Universe

The universe, from a Jain perspective, is composed of six eternal substances:

Jiva Dravya (Soul Substance):
- It is formless, intangible, and characterized by consciousness, knowledge, and perception.
- Emotions like attachment, aversion, anger, and lust are considered defilements (vikara) that arise due to association with karmas, not inherent qualities of the soul.
- The soul possesses infinite qualities, and its states (paryayas) constantly change. In the state of bondage, these qualities manifest as impurities, while in the liberated state (Siddha), they are experienced in their pure form.
- The soul is eternally associated with karmic particles (pudgala), leading to its transmigration and suffering. The goal is to sever this karmic connection.
- The soul has innumerable constituent parts called pradeshas.
- The text discusses different types of consciousness: "Karma Chetana" (awareness of karmic cause and effect), "Karma Phala Chetana" (awareness of the fruits of karma), and "Jnana Chetana" (pure consciousness, attained by liberated souls).
Pudgala Dravya (Matter Substance):
- It is the only material substance, perceptible by the senses.
- It exists in the forms of atoms (anu) and aggregates (skandha).
- It is characterized by sound, touch, taste, and smell.
- Pudgala is classified into various categories based on its grossness and subtleness, and its ability to combine or break apart.
- Atoms are the fundamental building blocks, possessing inherent qualities like touch, taste, smell, and color, even though they are single-pradesha.
- Sound is considered a modification of pudgala, not a quality of space.
- Matter is the medium through which the soul experiences worldly pleasures and pains, leading to karmic bondage.
Dharma Dravya (Principle of Motion):
- It is an intangible, colorless, tasteless, odorless, and untouchable substance.
- It pervades the entire universe.
- Its sole function is to facilitate motion for other substances (Jiva and Pudgala). It acts as a medium for movement, analogous to water for a fish.
- It is a passive cause, not an active mover.
Adharma Dravya (Principle of Rest):
- Similar to Dharma Dravya, it is intangible and subtle.
- Its function is to facilitate rest and stillness for other substances. It acts as a medium for stopping motion.
- Like Dharma Dravya, it is a passive cause.
Akasha Dravya (Space Substance):
- It is an intangible, formless substance that pervades the entire universe.
- It is infinite in extent.
- It provides space for all other substances to exist and move.
- The part of space occupied by the six substances is called Lokakasha (universe space), and the part that is empty is called Alokakasha (non-universe space).
Kala Dravya (Time Substance):
- It is an intangible, formless, and unconscious substance.
- It is a single-pradesha substance, meaning it exists as innumerable individual units of time.
- Time is essential for all transformations and changes occurring in other substances. It is the causal factor for evolution and change.
- While it is a substance, it is not an astikaya because it is single-pradesha.

Astikaya (Substances with Multiple Pradeshas)

The term "Astikaya" refers to substances that have multiple pradeshas (constituent parts or extensions) and thus possess existence. According to this definition, Jiva, Pudgala, Dharma, Adharma, and Akasha are Astikayas, as they are all multi-pradesha. Kala, being single-pradesha, is not considered an Astikaya, though it is a fundamental substance.

The Goal of Jainism

The ultimate purpose of understanding these six substances and the five astikayas is to enable the soul to recognize its true, pure nature, devoid of attachment and aversion towards other substances, particularly Pudgala. By shedding these attachments, the soul can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and its associated suffering.

The text explains that Acharya Kund Kund elaborates on the seven tattvas (realities) or nine padarthas (categories), which are essential for understanding the cause and effect of karmic bondage and liberation. The correct understanding and belief in these categories constitute Samyak Darshan (right faith). Knowledge of these principles is Samyak Jnana (right knowledge), and living in accordance with them is Samyak Charitra (right conduct). Together, these three jewels form the path to liberation. The entire book, comprising 172 verses (gathas), is structured to guide the reader towards this ultimate goal of breaking free from suffering.