Panchsangrah

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchsangrah" by Hiralal Jain, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, based on the provided content.

Book Title: Panchsangrah (पञ्चसंग्रहः) Author: Pandit Hiralal Jain, Siddhantashastri Publisher: Bharatiya Jnanpith, Kashi Language: Prakrit, Sanskrit (with commentary), Hindi (translation)

Overall Context: The "Panchsangrah" is a significant Jain text from the Digambara tradition that expounds the doctrine of Karma. This particular edition, published by Bharatiya Jnanpith, is notable for its comprehensive critical editing, inclusion of Sanskrit commentary (Tika), Prakrit commentary (Vrittis), and Hindi translation, along with an introduction (Bhumika) and detailed indices. The work aims to present a critical study of the Jain Agamic and philosophical literature available in ancient Indian languages.

Publisher's Introduction (Pages 2-7): The Bharatiya Jnanpith Murti Devi Jain Granthamala was established by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain in memory of his mother, Murtidevi. This series aims to publish critically edited Jain literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and other ancient languages. It covers Agamic, philosophical, Pauranic, literary, and historical topics. Catalogues of Jain Bhandaras, inscriptions, and studies by prominent scholars are also part of this series. The "Panchsangrah" is identified as Prakrit Grantha No. 10 in this series, first published in Bhadrapad, Vira Samvat 2017 (August 1960).

Editors' Statement (Pages 8-11): The general editors, Dr. Hiralal Jain and Dr. A. N. Upadhye, highlight that the contemplation of Karma and its fruits is an ancient human tendency. They divide world philosophies into two categories based on their views on Karma-phala: materialistic philosophies that believe the chain of actions ends with the destruction of the physical body, and spiritualistic philosophies that believe in an eternal soul (Jiva/Atma) that experiences the fruits of its actions across different lifetimes, until liberation. Jain philosophy is presented as spiritualistic, with Karma Siddhanta as its core. The universe's fundamental elements are described as two: Jiva (consciousness) and Ajiva (non-conscious matter). Karma, in the Jain context, refers to subtle permutations of matter (Pudgala) that adhere to the soul due to its passions (Raga-Dvesha) and create new impressions (Samskaras). The process of the soul attracting these subtle karmic particles is called Asrava, and the resulting bondage and distortion of the soul's nature is called Bandha.

Summary of the Content (Pages 8-40):

The introductory sections (Pages 8-11) explain the foundational concepts of Jain philosophy regarding Karma, the dualistic nature of reality (Jiva and Ajiva), and the importance of understanding Karma.

The Principal Editors' Statement delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Karma in Jainism, distinguishing between materialistic and spiritualistic viewpoints and placing Jainism firmly in the latter. It emphasizes that the Jain Karma theory provides a profound and detailed explanation of the fundamental elements of the universe and the creation of diverse life forms through material transformations.

The text then introduces the Panchsangrah itself as a key work within the Digambara tradition focused on Karma Siddhanta. It outlines the five main sections (Prakaranas) of the Panchsangrah:

1. Jivasamaasa (जीवसमास): This section deals with the nature of the soul (Jiva) and its various states, classifications, and the pathways (Margaṇā) through which it transmigrates. It covers 20 core principles (Prapraṇā).
2. Prakṛtisamutkīrtana (प्रकृतिसमुत्कीर्तन): This section enumerIs the different types of karmas (Prakṛti) and their specific classifications, detailing the fundamental and secondary karmas.
3. Bandhastotra (बन्धस्तव): This section focuses on the process of Bandha (karmic bondage), exploring the causes, mechanisms, and implications of acquiring karma.
4. Śataka (शतक): This section, named for its likely origin from 100 (Śataka) original verses, delves deeper into the intricacies of karma, possibly elaborating on specific aspects like the "karmic bond process" or classifications. The text notes that the name "Śataka" itself might be derived from the original number of verses rather than fully indicating the subject matter.
5. Saptatikā (सत्तरी): This section, likely originating from 70 (Saptati) verses, further elaborates on the principles of karma, potentially covering topics like the fruition of karma (Udaya) and its persistence (Sattva).

The text highlights that while the names of the original compilers and the exact dating of the "Panchsangrah" are uncertain, its content is deeply rooted in ancient Jain scriptures, particularly the Dr̥ṣṭivāda, the twelfth Anga of the Jain canon, which is now considered lost. Both Digambara and Shvetambara traditions acknowledge the importance of the Agrayanīya Purva, the second of the 14 Purvas, which is believed to contain a detailed exposition of Karma Siddhanta. The "Panchsangrah" is seen as a later compilation based on this foundational knowledge, with both sects having their own versions and commentaries on these principles.

The detailed "Prastāvanā" (Introduction) thoroughly analyzes the manuscripts, discusses the comparative study between Digambara and Shvetambara traditions regarding the "Panchsangrah" and related texts, and explores the unique features and differences in their content, philosophical interpretations, and stylistic elements. It also touches upon the dating challenges and scholarly debates surrounding the text's authorship and timeline.

Key Themes and Concepts Covered:

• Jiva and Karma: The fundamental Jain concept of the soul (Jiva) and its interaction with karmic matter (Pudgala) is central.
• Asrava and Bandha: The influx of karmic matter into the soul (Asrava) and the process of bondage (Bandha) are explained as the root causes of suffering and transmigration.
• Prakṛtis and Bandhas: The text meticulously details the various types of karmas (Prakṛtis) – Gnanaavaranīya (knowledge-obscuring), Darshanavaranīya (perception-obscuring), Vedanīya (feeling), Mohaniya (delusion), Ayushya (lifespan), Nama (name), Gotra (status), and Antaraya (obstruction) – and their complex permutations and bondages.
• Guṇasthānas (Stages of Spiritual Progress): The text details the 14 stages of spiritual progress, showing how karmic bondage and fruition vary at each stage.
• Mārgṇās (Paths of Investigation): The text analyzes how karmic principles manifest across different categories of existence and activity, including Gati (destination), Indriya (sense organs), Kaya (body types), Yoga (activity of mind, speech, body), Veda (sex characteristics), Kashaya (passions), Jnana (knowledge), Samyama (restraint), Darshana (perception), Lleshya (subtle disposition), Bhavya (soul capable of liberation), Samyakva (right faith), Saṁjñi (consciousness), and Ahara (nutrition).
• Udaya, Sattva, and Udirana: The text explains how karmas fructify (Udaya), persist (Sattva), and are prematurely released (Udirana).
• Bhandhas (Bonds) and Bhangas (Variations/Cases): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the detailed classification and enumeration of the various types of karmic bonds (Bandha) and the intricate calculations of Bhangas (permutations and combinations of karmic states) across different qualities, quantities, and temporal aspects. This highlights the meticulous analytical framework of Jain Karma theory.

Overall Significance: The "Panchsangrah" is a cornerstone for understanding the profound and intricate doctrine of Karma in Jainism. This publication by Bharatiya Jnanpith provides scholars and practitioners with a well-edited and annotated version of this vital text, making it accessible for deeper study and appreciation of Jain philosophical thought. The detailed analysis of karmic processes, stages, and their permutations underscores the emphasis on causal relationships and the path to liberation (Moksha) through understanding and overcoming karmic bondage.