Papni Saja Bhare Part 11 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Papni Saja Bhare Part 11," focusing on the theme of "Maya" (Deceit/Delusion):

Book Title: Papni Saja Bhare Part 11 (The Consequences of Sins: Part 11) Author: Arunvijaymuni Publisher: Dharmanath Po He Jainnagar Swe Mu Jain Sangh Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/001496/1

This volume, part of a series on the consequences of sins, delves deeply into the eighth sin-station, Maya (Deceit/Delusion). The text, presented as a discourse by H.H. Acharya Shri Vijay Subodhsuri and Muni Shri Arunvijay, highlights Maya's destructive nature and its pervasive influence.

Core Theme: The Nature and Consequences of Maya (Deceit)

The central message of the text is that Maya, characterized by deceit, craftiness, and delusion, is a fundamental cause of suffering and continued transmigration in the cycle of birth and death. It is depicted as a cunning enemy that harms both the self and others.

Maya as a "Vivhav" (Distorted State):

The text begins by contrasting Maya with the soul's inherent nature. The soul's true nature is described as equanimity, humility, softness, and truthfulness. However, due to ignorance, the soul mistakes distorted states (Vivhav) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed for its true nature. Maya is presented as a distortion of the soul's natural straightforwardness.

The Four Cardinal Sins (Kashayas):

The discourse emphasizes that anger (Krodh), pride (Maan), deceit (Maya), and greed (Lobh) are the four main vices that drive the cycle of samsara. While anger is often recognized as a vice, Maya and greed are often overlooked, despite being equally, if not more, destructive.

The "Taste" of the Kashayas:

The text uses vivid analogies to describe the perceived "taste" or experience of each kashaya:

Anger (Krodh): Like a hot chili, causing burning and irritation to both the perpetrator and the victim.
Pride (Maan): Like a sour taste, which can be subjectively pleasing, influencing one's perception of self-importance.
Deceit (Maya): Like sweetness, appearing pleasant and attractive, drawing individuals in with its deceptive charm.
Greed (Lobh): Like salt, which is pervasive and desired in various aspects of life, making things bland without it.

The difference lies in how these "tastes" are perceived: the kashayas are experienced mentally (through the mind), which is an extrasensory faculty.

Maya's Place in the 18 Cardinal Sins:

Maya is given a significant position within the 18 cardinal sins. It appears twice:

As the eighth cardinal sin, representing pure deceit and cunning.
As part of the seventh sin, "Maya Mrushavada," signifying deceit coupled with falsehood.

Illustrative Stories and Analogies:

The text employs numerous stories and analogies to illustrate the nature and consequences of Maya:

The Crane (Bagla): The crane's stillness and patience while hunting fish are compared to Maya. The crane appears meditative, but its stillness is a deceptive tactic for self-gratification. Similarly, a Mayavi (one who practices Maya) appears calm but harbors deceptive intentions.
The Cat: The cat's stealth and careful movements when hunting mice are also likened to Maya.
The Story of Punyasar: A merchant's son, Punyasar, is pushed into a well by his deceitful wife. She then fabricates a story blaming thieves. Later, Punyasar is rescued and understands his wife's deception, but he magnanimously forgives her. This story highlights the cunning nature of Maya and the potential for forgiveness.
The Story of Jinasar's Wife: A wealthy merchant, Jinasar, is meditating, but his wife, desiring a child, secretly brings in her lover and places him on the cot. A nail from the cot pierces Jinasar's foot, leading to his death from excessive bleeding. This grim tale illustrates the extreme, destructive consequences of Maya driven by desire.
The Story of Anjana Sati: Anjana Sati, a virtuous woman, experiences a 12-year separation from her husband due to a karmic consequence stemming from a past life. In that life, as a wife named Anjana, she was envious of her co-wife, who was devoted to religious practices. Out of jealousy, she buried the deity idol, causing her co-wife distress. This act of Maya, even if seemingly minor, had profound karmic repercussions.
The Story of Pandara Sadhvi: A young woman who becomes a nun (Sadhvi) finds the reality of monastic life difficult, especially the dirt and sweat. She secretly entertains visitors and engages in magical practices for admiration, despite the elders' guidance. This illustrates how Maya can persist even within a spiritual life, driven by a desire for worldly recognition.

The Subtle Nature of Maya:

The text emphasizes that Maya is often subtle and hidden. While anger is outwardly expressed, Maya and greed operate more covertly, making them harder to detect and combat.

The Four Types of Maya:

The text explains Maya through four classifications, using analogies:

Anantanubandhi Maya (Perpetual Maya): Like the crooked roots of a bamboo tree, this Maya is ingrained and lasts a lifetime, making straightforwardness impossible.
Apratyakhyaniya Maya (Maya that cannot be renounced): Like the curved horns of a sheep, this Maya can be straightened with effort but requires sustained correction.
Pratyakhyaniya Maya (Maya that can be renounced): Like the crooked stream of urine from a bull, this Maya is temporary and can be overcome within a specific period (four months).
Sanjvalan Maya (Maya that is ignited/flares up): Like the crooked bark of a bamboo stick that can be straightened, this Maya is brief and can be overcome quickly (within 15 days).

The Goal of Straightness (Arjav):

The text contrasts the crookedness of Maya with the ideal of straightness (Arjav), which is essential for spiritual progress. The pilgrimage site of "Siddhachal" itself symbolizes the direct and straight path to liberation. The soul's upward journey after shedding karma is a straight, upward movement.

The Etymology of Maya:

The word "Maya" is broken down as "Ma" (meaning "no" or "not") and "Ya" (meaning "to go" or "to move"). Thus, Maya implies "not going" or "not moving" in a straight path, signifying crookedness and deviation.

Consequences of Maya:

Karmic Repercussions: Maya binds negative karma, leading to lower births (animal realm) and a difficult existence.
Loss of Trust: Mayavi individuals are not trusted by anyone, even if they appear innocent.
Spiritual Hindrance: Maya obstructs spiritual progress, preventing the attainment of true knowledge and liberation.
Loss of True Happiness: Maya leads to temporary pleasure but ultimately results in suffering.
Impact on Relationships: Maya destroys friendships and relationships.

Overcoming Maya:

The text strongly advocates for the eradication of Maya and the cultivation of straightness (Arjav) and simplicity. This is presented as the only way to overcome the negative consequences of Maya. The text encourages:

Taking a vow: To never deceive anyone.
Cultivating a simple nature: Like a child, who is naturally innocent.
Living truthfully: Speaking and acting with sincerity.
Seeking spiritual guidance: Learning from scriptures and virtuous individuals.

Conclusion:

"Papni Saja Bhare Part 11" serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of Maya. It emphasizes that this subtle vice, disguised as sweetness, leads to immense suffering and spiritual downfall. The only antidote is the cultivation of honesty, simplicity, and truthfulness, which are the true paths to spiritual well-being and liberation. The text concludes with prayers for the souls to become free from all vices, especially Maya.