Samaysaarno Saar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samaysaarno Saar" by Shobhnaben Kamdar, based on the provided Gujarati text:

Book Title: Samaysaarno Saar (Essence of Samaysar) Author: Shobhnaben Kamdar Publisher: Neemaben Kamdar Source: This book is a concise summary of the profound Jain scripture "Samaysar" by Acharya Kundakunda, renowned for its exploration of the soul's true nature.

Overall Purpose: "Samaysaarno Saar" aims to make the profound teachings of Samaysar accessible to a wider audience, especially in today's fast-paced world where in-depth study of extensive scriptures can be challenging. It distills the core essence of the original text, presenting it in a condensed yet comprehensive manner. The book emphasizes the identification of the soul and its liberation through self-realization.

Key Themes and Chapters Summarized:

The book is structured into chapters that cover the essential principles of Jain philosophy as presented in Samaysar:

1. Pūrvraṅg (Introduction/Prelude):

   • This section sets the stage by paying homage to Lord Mahavira, Gautama Swami, and Acharya Kundakunda.
   • It highlights "Samaysar" as a divine scripture that flows from the enlightened state of the soul.
   • It introduces the concept that true liberation (moksha) is only possible when one turns towards the soul.
   • The term "Samaysar" is explained as the "essence" or "nectar" of the "soul" (Atma).
   • It briefly touches upon the original Prakrit composition by Kundakunda and subsequent commentaries.
   • The text explains the nature of substances (dravyā), their qualities (guṇ), and modes (paryāy), emphasizing that true essence lies in the inherent nature of each substance.
   • It discusses the different types of knowledge (pramāṇ), logical perspectives (nay), and classification methods (nikṣep), ultimately stating that in the liberated state, these cease to exist.
   • The introduction also differentiates between gross (vyavahar) and subtle (nishchay) truths, stating that true understanding comes from the subtle perspective.

2. Jīv-Ajīv Adhikār (Soul and Non-Soul Chapter):

   • This chapter delves into the fundamental distinction between the soul (jīv) and non-soul substances (ajīv).
   • It clarifies that the soul is defined by its characteristic of consciousness (chaitanya), while non-soul substances are inert.
   • It refutes incorrect notions of what constitutes the soul, emphasizing that the soul is formless, colorless, tasteless, odorless, intangible, and beyond the grasp of the senses.
   • The text explains how the soul, due to its association with karmic matter (pudgal), appears in various forms and experiences suffering.
   • It stresses that the soul's true nature remains unaffected by these external conditions, and its realization leads to liberation.
   • The chapter emphasizes that consciousness is the unique characteristic of the soul and the true means of identifying it, distinguishing it from other non-soul substances.

3. Kartā-Karma Adhikār (Doer and Done Chapter):

   • This section addresses the crucial concept of causality in Jainism, particularly regarding actions and their consequences.
   • It explains that attachment and aversion (rāga-dveṣa) arising from ignorance are the root causes of bondage (karma bandh).
   • The text differentiates between being a "doer" (kartā) and a "witness" (jñātā). A truly enlightened soul is a witness, not a doer.
   • It elaborates that actions are performed by the soul's mental states (bhāvas) and karmic influx (āśrava), not by the soul itself in its pure essence.
   • The chapter clarifies that while one experiences the results of karma, they are not the actual doer of those karmic actions.
   • It highlights that the cessation of these attachment-aversion states, through right faith, knowledge, and conduct, leads to the cessation of karma and liberation.

4. Puṇya-Pāp Adhikār (Merit and Demerit Chapter):

   • This chapter critically examines the concepts of merit (puṇya) and demerit (pāp).
   • It argues that both merit and demerit are ultimately forms of bondage, as both stem from attachment to worldly results and involve karmic influx.
   • The text states that while in worldly dealings, they may appear different (good and bad), from the ultimate perspective (paramārth), both are hindrances to liberation.
   • It emphasizes that neither good deeds (śubha karma) nor bad deeds (aśubha karma) lead to moksha; only the cessation of all karmic activity through pure knowledge leads to it.
   • The chapter asserts that true liberation comes from transcending both merit and demerit by realizing the soul's pure, unattached nature.

5. Āśrava Adhikār (Karmic Influx Chapter):

   • This chapter explains the process of karmic influx (āśrava), which is the entry of karmic particles into the soul.
   • It identifies the four primary causes of āśrava: wrong faith (mithyātva), lack of self-control (avirati), passions (kashāy), and the activities of mind, speech, and body (yoga).
   • The text distinguishes between the influx of subtle karmic matter (dravya āśrava) and the resulting mental states (bhāva āśrava).
   • It states that a knowledgeable person (jñānī), by understanding the true nature of the soul and its distinction from karmic influx, stops new karma from binding.
   • The chapter emphasizes that the cessation of attachment and aversion is key to stopping āśrava and, consequently, karma bandh.

6. Saṃvar Adhikār (Cessation of Karmic Influx Chapter):

   • This chapter focuses on Saṃvar, the stopping of karmic influx.
   • It reiterates that discrimination between the soul and non-soul substances is the primary means to achieve saṃvar.
   • By cultivating right faith, knowledge, and conduct, one can cease the influx of new karma.
   • The text highlights that the path involves controlling the senses, restraining passions, and engaging in pure contemplation of the soul.
   • It explains that continuous self-reflection and detachment from worldly objects and their associated mental states lead to the stopping of karma.

7. Nirjarā Adhikār (Shedding of Karma Chapter):

   • This chapter explains Nirjarā, the process of shedding already acquired karma.
   • It differentiates between gross (dravya nirjarā) and subtle (bhāva nirjarā) shedding.
   • Nirjarā occurs through penance, austerities, and diligent spiritual practice.
   • The text emphasizes that shedding karma leads to purification of the soul and eventually to liberation.
   • It highlights that even in worldly experiences, if done with detachment and without attachment, they can contribute to karma shedding. The key is the absence of passionate involvement.

8. Bandha Adhikār (Bondage Chapter):

   • This chapter revisits the concept of karma bandh, focusing on the mechanisms and causes of soul's bondage.
   • It reiterates that ignorance, attachment, and aversion are the fundamental reasons for the soul becoming bound by karma.
   • The text explains that the soul's perceived involvement in actions and their results creates the illusion of doership and ownership, leading to continuous bondage.
   • It emphasizes that the true cause of bondage is the subjective perception and attachment to the effects of karma, not the karma itself.

9. Moksha Adhikār (Liberation Chapter):

   • This chapter describes the ultimate goal of Jainism – Moksha, or liberation.
   • It explains that Moksha is achieved by completely severing the bondage of karma and realizing the soul's pure, inherent nature.
   • The path to Moksha involves the purification of the soul through right faith, knowledge, and conduct, leading to the eradication of all karmic matter.
   • The text emphasizes that Moksha is not an external attainment but the realization of the soul's already existing, pure state.
   • It highlights the importance of unwavering focus on the soul, detachment from all worldly things, and the realization of the self as pure consciousness.

10. Sarva Viśuddha Jñāna Adhikār (All Pure Knowledge Chapter):

    • This concluding chapter focuses on the state of "all pure knowledge" which is characteristic of the liberated soul (Siddha).
    • It reiterates that the soul's true nature is pure knowledge and consciousness, and this is the essence of "Samaysar."
    • It explains that the soul is not the doer or enjoyer of worldly actions or karmic results. It is merely a witness (jñātā).
    • The chapter emphasizes that true knowledge is self-aware and distinct from all other substances.
    • It concludes by stating that by realizing this pure knowledge, the soul attains its inherent state of bliss and liberation, becoming one with the absolute truth.

Core Message: The fundamental message of "Samaysaarno Saar" is that the soul is eternal, pure, and conscious, and its suffering arises from its ignorance of this true nature and its entanglement with karmic matter due to attachment and aversion. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved by discerning the soul from all non-soul entities, cultivating pure knowledge, and engaging in unwavering devotion to the soul, thereby eradicating all karma. The book serves as a guide to understanding and practicing the essential teachings of Samaysar for spiritual upliftment.