Prachin Karmgranth Satik

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Karmgranth Satik," based on the scanned pages. The text contains four ancient Jain works on karma, along with their commentaries.

Book Title: Prachin Karmgranth Satik (Ancient Karma Texts with Commentary) Author(s): Jain Atmanand Sabha Publisher: Jain Atmanand Sabha Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020557/1

Overall Purpose:

The publication aims to make accessible four important ancient Jain texts detailing the principles of karma. These texts are considered foundational for understanding the Jain philosophy of transmigration, the nature of actions (karma), and the path to liberation. The endeavor is supported by the Jain Atmanand Sabha and dedicated to the spiritual well-being of all beings.

Key Themes and Content:

The scanned pages reveal the introductory sections and the beginning of the first text, "Karma Vipaka" (Consequence of Karma). The core themes revolve around:

1. The Nature of Karma: The texts define karma as the cause of "vaibhayik parinati" (unnatural modifications or states) of the soul. It's further explained as having two forms:

   • Dravya Karma (Material Karma): This refers to the subtle karmic particles that adhere to the soul's subtle matter. It is caused by wrong beliefs (asatraha), lack of self-control (asat pravrutti), passions (kashaya), and influx of senses/actions (yoga).
   • Bhava Karma (Psychic Karma): These are the mental states, modifications, and dispositions (adhyavasaya visheshas) that are the cause and effect of dravya karma.

2. Interdependence of Karma Types: There's a crucial emphasis on the causal relationship between dravya karma and bhava karma. Bhava karma is essential for the accumulation of dravya karma, and dravya karma cannot manifest without bhava karma.

3. Importance of Karma Knowledge: The texts stress the necessity of understanding karma for spiritual progress. Knowledge of karma is presented as the key to:

   • Overcoming suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
   • Attaining spiritual elevation (adhyatmika).
   • Cultivating virtues like knowledge, faith, forgiveness, humility, generosity, etc.
   • Achieving liberation (moksha).
   • Preventing beneficial actions from becoming hindrances (apakranti sadhana).

4. Methods of Acquiring Karma Knowledge:

   • Scriptural Study: The texts highlight the importance of studying scriptures authored by enlightened beings (Jinas and their disciples) as the primary means to understand the intricate workings of karma.
   • Spiritual Experience: While pure direct experience (shuddha anubhav) is the ultimate source of knowledge, it's often unattainable without prior scriptural guidance and initial spiritual development.
   • Guidance of Enlightened Beings: The role of spiritual preceptors (gurus) is paramount in deciphering the scriptures and imparting knowledge.

5. Jain Perspective on Karma: The texts position the Jain viewpoint on karma as distinct and superior to other philosophical systems. While other systems might acknowledge concepts like Maya (illusion), Avidya (ignorance), or Adrishta (unseen force) as explanations for the diversity of existence, Jainism specifically names and elaborates on "Karma" in extensive detail. The Jain approach goes beyond mere acknowledgment to a deep analysis of karma's types, causes, effects, and modes of bondage and liberation.

6. The Four Texts: The introduction mentions that the collection includes four ancient karma texts, implying that the book provides a comprehensive study of the subject from various authoritative sources. The first text presented is "Karma Vipaka," authored by Rishi Garg (Garga), with commentary by Shrimat Paramānanda Suri and another ancient acharya. The preface also lists other key karma texts like "Karma Stava," "Bandhasvamiitwa," and "Shadashiti."

7. Editorial and Publication Details:

   • The book is a project of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba (Gujarat).
   • It was published by the Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.
   • The scanning and printing project was supported by individuals and institutions, including Shree Premchand Sushravak, son of Shreshti Jhaverchand, and Shrimati Motikunwar, originally from Anahilpur Patan.
   • The publication emphasizes its private and personal use.

Summary of "Karma Vipaka" (Beginning):

• Invocation: The text begins with invocations to Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami, Sudharma Swami, and their spiritual lineage of Acharyas, highlighting the importance of lineage and succession in transmitting spiritual knowledge.
• Purpose and Introduction: Rishi Garg, the author of "Karma Vipaka," is presented as an authority on karma. The text aims to explain the nature of karma and its consequences, drawing parallels with the profound spiritual teachings of the Jinas.
• Etymology and Definition of Karma: The word "Karma" is explained through its root "kri" (to do/create), signifying actions. It's described as having an eternal connection with the soul (anadi samyog) and being the cause of the soul's journey through the four destinies (chatur gati). The concept of "prvahana" (continuous flow) is used to explain its eternal nature despite the possibility of liberation.
• Four Aspects of Karma: The text introduces the concept that karma has four fundamental aspects:
  1. Prakriti (Nature/Type): The inherent quality or classification of the karma.
  2. Sthiti (Duration): The time period for which the karma remains bound to the soul.
  3. Anubhaga (Intensity/Taste): The quality and strength of the karmic consequence.
  4. Pradesha (Subtle Matter/Quantity): The extent or quantity of karmic particles that adhere to the soul.
  • A simple analogy of a laddu (sweet ball) is used to illustrate these four aspects: the ingredients (flour, jaggery, ghee) represent Prakriti, how long it stays fresh represents Sthiti, its sweetness/flavor represents Anubhaga, and the quantity of ingredients represents Pradesha.
• Number of Karmas: It's stated that there are eight fundamental karmas (moola prakriti) and 148 subsequent karmas (uttara prakriti).
• The Eight Moola Prakriti (Fundamental Karmas): The text begins listing them:
  1. Jnanavaraniya Karma (Knowledge-obscuring karma)
  2. Darshanavaraniya Karma (Perception-obscuring karma)
  3. Vedaniya Karma (Feeling karma)
  4. Mohaniya Karma (Delusion-inducing karma)
  5. Ayush Karma (Lifespan karma)
  6. Nama Karma (Status/Name karma)
  7. Gotra Karma (Status/Lineage karma)
  8. Antaraya Karma (Obstruction karma)

Structure of the Commentary:

The text includes commentaries by Shrimat Paramānanda Suri and possibly others, as indicated by the presence of "टीकाद्वयोपेतः" (accompanied by two commentaries). These commentaries aim to clarify the complex terminology and concepts presented in the original verses.

Significance of the Work:

"Prachin Karmgranth Satik" is presented as a vital resource for Jains seeking a deep and authentic understanding of karma, a central tenet of their philosophy. By bringing together ancient texts and scholarly commentary, the Jain Atmanand Sabha aims to preserve and propagate this essential knowledge.