Papni Saja Bhare Part 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Papni Saja Bhare Part 01" by Arunvijaymuni, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

This text, the first part of a series titled "Papni Saja Bhare" (The Heavy Punishment for Sin), aims to explain the fundamental principles of Jainism, focusing on the concept of sin and its consequences, while also laying the groundwork by defining the universe and the core elements of existence according to Jain philosophy.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Goal of Jainism: The text begins by referencing the teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami, stating that the ultimate aim of life for a virtuous soul is Moksha (Liberation). This is achieved through Dharma (Righteousness), which is attained by gaining Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), followed by Samyam (Self-control/Discipline). Therefore, all spiritual practices should be directed towards achieving Moksha.

• The Structure of the Universe (Lok and Alok):

  • The universe is described as an infinite expanse of Alokakash (non-soulful space).
  • Within this infinite space, there exists a finite, spatially defined region called Lokakash (soulful space).
  • This Lokakash is depicted as being shaped like a Purusha (human form) standing with legs apart, hence also called Lok Purush Sansthan.
  • The Lokakash is quantified as being 14 Rajju in size (where 'Rajju' is a unit of measurement).
  • The remaining infinite space outside the Lokakash is Alokakash, which contains only Akashastikaya (space-substance) and nothing else.

• The Three Realms (Tribhuvana): The Lokakash is further divided into three realms:

  • Urdhva Lok (Upper Realm): Inhabited by Devas (celestial beings), also known as Devlok (Heavenly Realm).
  • Madhya Lok (Middle Realm): Inhabited by humans, hence Manushyalok (Human Realm) or Mrityulok (Realm of Death). It is also called Tiryanch Lok due to the prevalence of animals and birds.
  • Adho Lok (Lower Realm): Inhabited by Naraki (hellish beings), also known as Narklok (Hell Realm) or Patal Lok (Underworld).

• The Six Substances (Dravyas) and Nine Truths (Tattvas):

  • The Lokakash is filled with five Astikayas (fundamental substances): Jiva (soul), Dharmastikaya (substance aiding motion), Adharmastikaya (substance aiding rest), Akashastikaya (space), and Pudgalastikaya (matter).
  • When Kal (time) is added, these become the six Dravyas.
  • Ultimately, all these are categorized into two fundamental substances: Jiva (Conscious/Soul) and Ajiva (Unconscious/Non-soul).
  • The interaction and states of these fundamental substances lead to the Nine Tattvas (Nava Tattva):
    1. Jiva (Soul): Conscious, possesses knowledge and perception, experiences happiness and sorrow.
    2. Ajiva (Non-soul): Unconscious, lacks knowledge and perception, characterized by color, smell, taste, and touch.
    3. Punya (Merit): Acquired through auspicious activities by the soul.
    4. Pap (Sin): Acquired through inauspicious activities by the soul.
    5. Asrava (Influx): The inflow of karmic particles into the soul due to the mind, speech, and body's activities, driven by passions.
    6. Samvara (Stoppage): The cessation of the inflow of karmic particles.
    7. Nirjara (Shedding): The gradual shedding of accumulated karma through austerities and other spiritual practices.
    8. Bandha (Bondage): The binding of karmic particles to the soul, making them inseparable.
    9. Moksha (Liberation): The complete cessation of all karma, leading to the soul's pure and eternal state.

• The Nature of Soul (Jiva):

  • The soul is described as the conscious principle, the "I" or "Me" that experiences the world. It is distinct from the body and senses.
  • The soul possesses qualities like knowledge, perception, and the capacity to experience happiness and sorrow.
  • The text emphasizes the soul's eternal, indivisible, and unchanging nature. It is composed of infinite soul-substance particles (pradeshas).

• The Nature of Non-soul (Ajiva):

  • Ajiva comprises everything that is not the soul. It is inert and lacks consciousness.
  • The Ajiva category includes the other five Astikayas (Dharma, Adharma, Akash, Pudgala) and Time (Kal).
  • Pudgala (Matter) is particularly detailed, describing its forms (Skandha, Desh Pradesh, Pradesh, Paramāṇu) and qualities (sound, darkness, light, color, smell, taste, touch).

• The Eight Great Varganas (Categories of Matter Particles): The text introduces eight types of matter particles that constitute the physical world and are influenced by the soul's actions: Darik (for human/animal bodies), Vaikriya (for celestial/hellish bodies), Aaharak (for yogic manifestations), Taijas (digestive fire), Shwasochchwas (breath), Bhasha (speech), Mano (mind), and Karmna (karmic particles).

• The Role of Mind, Speech, and Body (Man-Vachan-Kaya): These are identified as the instruments through which the soul acts and binds karma. The mind is highlighted as particularly powerful, capable of leading to Moksha or the deepest hells, as illustrated by the story of Muni Prasannachandra. The quality of one's actions (shubh/auspicious or ashubh/inauspicious) through these means determines the karmic consequences.

• The Classification of Souls by Senses: The text categorizes living beings based on the number of senses they possess, from one-sensed beings (like earth-bodied souls) to five-sensed beings (humans, gods, hellish beings, and some animals). The five senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing) and their objects are described.

• The Concept of Karma and its Binding: The text explains that karma is bound to the soul through activities of mind, speech, and body, influenced by passions like attachment and aversion. The intention behind an action (manasik parinam) is crucial in determining the nature of the karma bound, more so than the external action itself. The example of a doctor and a murderer using a knife illustrates this.

• The Importance of Knowledge of Sin: The text emphasizes the Jain principle that to renounce something, one must first understand it. Therefore, understanding the nature of sin and its severe punishments is essential to avoid it and to practice Dharma effectively. The Jina's teachings, including the life stories of Tirthankaras, are presented as examples where past sins and their consequences are detailed to guide the followers.

Emphasis on Sin and its Consequences:

While the initial chapters lay the foundation of Jain cosmology and philosophy, the title "Papni Saja Bhare" indicates a strong focus on sin. The text highlights that:

• Sin leads to suffering and transmigration: Unrighteous actions (Pap) result in the accumulation of negative karma, leading to rebirths in lower realms (hells, animals) and prolonged suffering.
• Even Tirthankaras faced consequences for past sins: The detailed accounts of the lives of Tirthankaras like Adinath, Shantinath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir demonstrate that even highly evolved souls had to undergo the consequences of past negative actions, albeit with more fortitude and eventually leading to liberation. This serves as a powerful lesson about the inescapable nature of karma.
• The severity of punishment: The text implies that the punishments for sins are indeed heavy and can span numerous lifetimes, as seen in the examples of the Tirthankaras' past lives.

Structure and Presentation:

The text is presented in a discourse-like format, likely transcribed from lectures by Muni Arunvijayji. It uses clear language, illustrative examples, and references to Jain scriptures. The inclusion of diagrams and visual representations (as indicated by references like "As shown in the picture") would have further aided understanding.

In summary, this first volume of "Papni Saja Bhare" serves as an introductory treatise on core Jain principles. It establishes the Jain worldview, defines the fundamental entities of existence (dravyas and tattvas), and crucially begins to explore the nature of sin (pap) and its inevitable, often severe, consequences, urging the reader towards righteous conduct and spiritual discipline.