Prachin Tatha Navya Karmgranth Chatushka - Book Summary

Based on the provided Gujarati text, here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Prachin Tatha Navya Karmgranth Chatushka":

Book Title: Prachin Tatha Navya Karmgranth Chatushka (The Quartet of Ancient and New Karma Texts) Author(s): Vijayhemprabhsuri (Editor), Pareshbhai J Shah (Translator/Compiler) Publisher: Vijaynitisuri Jain Tattvagyan Pathshala, Ahmedabad

This book is a significant compilation of Jain philosophical texts concerning the concept of Karma, a fundamental principle in Jainism that explains the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It presents a harmonious blend of both ancient and modern approaches to understanding the intricacies of Karma.

Core Purpose: The book aims to provide a deep and nuanced understanding of the Jain theory of Karma, which is considered essential for comprehending Jain philosophy and achieving spiritual liberation (Moksha). It highlights that knowledge of Karma is incomplete without understanding the doctrine of Karma, as it explains the world's complexities and the diverse experiences of beings.

Structure of the Book: The title indicates a collection of eight texts in total:

Prachin Karmgranth Chatushka (The Quartet of Ancient Karma Texts): This section includes four foundational ancient texts that lay the groundwork for understanding Karma. These are presented with their original verses (Gatha) and their Gujarati translation (Gatharth Sah).
1. Karmavipak (The Consequences of Karma): Attributed to the ancient Acharya Gargaharshi, this text is considered to be from the 9th century Vikram era. It details the fundamental and subsequent categories of karmas, the causes of bondage, and the fruits of karma. It comprises 168 verses.
2. Karmastav (Praise of Karma): The author of this text is unknown. It also goes by the name "Bandhodaya Sadbhaktastav." It discusses the bondage, fruition, emanation, and presence of karmas from the perspective of soul stages (Gunasthana). It contains 55 verses.
3. Bandhasvamitva (Ownership of Bondage): The author of this text is also unknown. It describes soul stages based on different modes of inquiry (Margana). It contains 54 verses and explains the world's peculiarities and differences through 14 different classifications.
4. Padvashiti (Eighty-six Principles): Attributed to Acharya Jinvallabh Gani and believed to have been composed in the 12th century Vikram era. This text, named after its 86 verses, describes the states of the soul (Jiv-sthana), modes of inquiry (Margana-sthana), and soul stages (Gunasthana). It details the nature of bondage, its causes, fruition, emanation, and presence, along with the concept of 'Alpabahutva' (relative quantities).
Navya Karmgranth Chatushka (The Quartet of New Karma Texts): This section presents modernized and more accessible versions of the ancient texts, often attributed to Acharya Devendrasuri. These are also presented with verses and Gujarati translation.
1. Karmavipak (New Version): This text describes the fundamental and subsequent categories of karmas in 60 Prakrit verses. It discusses the eight root karmas, their 158 sub-categories, and the reasons for the bondage of all eight karmas.
2. Karmastav (New Version): Comprising 34 verses, this text analyzes the bondage, fruition, emanation, and presence of karmas based on soul stages. It describes the spiritual development of the soul.
3. Bandhasvamitva (New Version): This text contains 24 Prakrit verses that describe soul stages based on different modes of inquiry. It examines the world's diversities and differences through 14 distinct perspectives.
4. Shatak (New Version): This text, with 100 Prakrit verses, describes the categories of karma that are permanently or non-permanently bound, eternally or non-eternally operative, permanently or non-permanently present, fully or partially destructive, meritorious, regenerative, or non-regenerative. It also discusses the nature of karma, its duration, intensity (ras), and extent (pradesh), as well as the paths of subsidence and destruction (Upshamshreni and Kshapakshreni).

Key Concepts Discussed:

Importance of Karma Vidya: The book emphasizes that understanding Karma is crucial for spiritual knowledge and liberation in Jainism. It contrasts the subtle and profound nature of Jain Karma theory with other Indian philosophies and global traditions.
Nature of Karma: It delves into the fundamental principles of Karma, including its gross and subtle aspects, its eight root causes (Prakriti), and its numerous sub-categories (Uttar Prakriti).
Bondage (Bandha): The texts explain the process of karmic bondage, highlighting the role of passions like attachment (Raga) and aversion (Dvesha), as well as the mind, speech, and body activities (Mano-Vachana-Kaya Yoga). It details the four types of bondage: Prakriti Bandha (type of karma), Sthiti Bandha (duration), Rasa Bandha (intensity), and Pradesh Bandha (quantity).
Soul Stages (Gunasthana): The book extensively uses the concept of Gunasthana to explain how the intensity and nature of karmic bondage, fruition, and presence change as the soul progresses spiritually.
Margaṇa (Modes of Inquiry): It analyzes karmic phenomena through various modes of inquiry like gati (states of existence), indriya (senses), kaya (body types), yoga, veda (passions), kashaya (anger, pride, deceit, greed), jnana (knowledge), darshana (perception), leshya (soul's subtle color), bhavyata (potentiality for liberation), samyaktva (right faith), samjnineta (consciousness), and ahara (nourishment).
Dual Nature of Ancient and New Texts: The book highlights that while the New Texts are based on the Ancient Texts, they offer a more concise and accessible explanation, making the complex subject of Karma understandable to a wider audience.
Historical Context: The preface acknowledges the tradition of publishing Karma texts and credits the inspiration for this specific publication to revered gurus. It also lists the distinct authors and commentators for the ancient texts, acknowledging their contributions.
Spiritual Analogy: The text uses analogies like a veil obscuring the sun to explain how karma obscures the soul's inherent luminous nature (knowledge, perception, bliss).
Practical Application: The book suggests that by understanding Karma, individuals can navigate life's challenges, maintain equanimity, and prevent spiritual downfall. It underscores that the ignorance of Karma science leads to worldly troubles like tension and hatred.

Significance of the Publication: This publication is presented as a valuable gift to the seekers of Jain knowledge, especially by making both the ancient, often obscure, Karma texts and their modern translations readily available. The joint publication of both the original ancient texts and the new, translated texts is considered particularly significant for comparative study and deeper comprehension. The translator's diligent effort in preparing the Gujarati translations is also recognized.

In essence, "Prachin Tatha Navya Karmgranth Chatushka" is a comprehensive effort to illuminate the profound and intricate science of Karma within Jainism, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary accessibility.