Samaysara

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samaysara" by Kundakunda Acharya, as presented in the provided pages, with the commentary by Ganeshprasad Varni:

The text "Samaysara" (meaning "Essence of Time" or "Essence of the Self") is a foundational Jain scripture authored by the revered Acharya Kundakunda. The provided book is a commentary on this seminal work by Shri Ganeshprasad Varni, also known as Muniraj Shri Ganesh Kirtiji Maharaj. The publication is brought out by the Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan in Varanasi.

Central Theme of Samaysara:

The core message of Samaysara revolves around understanding and realizing the true nature of the soul (Jiva) as distinct from all external substances (Ajiva), including karma, body, and senses. It emphasizes the soul's inherent purity, consciousness, and bliss, which are obscured by ignorance and karmic attachments. The ultimate goal is liberation (Moksha) by shedding all karmic impurities and realizing the soul's true, untainted nature.

Key Concepts and Disquisitions:

The text delves into profound philosophical concepts of Jainism, presented through a dialogue between the Acharya and his disciples, or through direct exposition. The summary of the chapters, as indicated by the table of contents and the text itself, covers:

• Mangalacharan (Invocation): The text begins with traditional invocations and dedications.
• Jiva-Ajiva Adhikar (Chapter on Soul and Non-Soul):
  • Definition of Swasamaya and Parasama: The soul's true state (Swasamaya) is described as being established in pure knowledge, perception, and conduct. The state of being bound to external substances like karma and body is termed Parasama.
  • The Nature of the Soul: The soul is presented as inherently pure, formless, and characterized by consciousness. It is distinct from karmic particles, the body, senses, and all other non-soul substances.
  • The Importance of Nayas (Standpoints): The text highlights the necessity of understanding different philosophical standpoints (Nayas), particularly Nischaya Naya (Absolute Truth) and Vyavahar Naya (Conventional Truth), to grasp the multifaceted reality of the soul and the universe. Nischaya Naya reveals the soul's eternal, unchanging, pure nature, while Vyavahar Naya describes its empirical existence in the cycle of birth and death.
  • Soul as Consciousness: The soul is ultimately identified with pure consciousness (Chetana), which is the true essence, distinct from all material and quasi-material qualities.
• Kartru-Karma Adhikar (Chapter on Doer and Deed):
  • The True Doer and Deed: This chapter clarifies that the soul is the doer of its own spiritual states (like knowledge and bliss) and the non-doer of material karmic actions or their consequences. Karma and non-karma are ultimately considered as modifications of the soul due to ignorance, not as separate entities that act upon the soul.
  • Ignorance as the Root Cause of Bondage: The text explains how ignorance (Mithyatva) leads to the false identification of the soul with the non-soul, causing attachment (Raga), aversion (Dvesha), and delusion (Moha). These passions are the real cause of karmic bondage.
  • Distinction between Upadan and Nimitta: The concepts of material cause (Upadan) and instrumental cause (Nimitta) are crucial. The soul's spiritual modifications are its own Upadan cause, while external factors like karma are Nimitta causes. The soul is the doer of its spiritual states, not of karmic particles.
• Punya-Papa Adhikar (Chapter on Merit and Demerit):
  • Bondage through Both: This chapter emphasizes that both merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa) are forms of bondage. While Punya leads to pleasant experiences and Papa to unpleasant ones, both bind the soul to the cycle of existence.
  • Transcendence of Both: True liberation lies in transcending both Punya and Papa, by eradicating the underlying passions and karma that lead to their formation.
• Asrava Adhikar (Chapter on Influx of Karma):
  • Causes of Karma Influx: The text details the four primary causes of karma influx: ignorance (Mithyatva), vowslessness (Aviraman), passions (Kashaya), and activities (Yoga).
  • The Soul's Role: It explains how the soul's own spiritual states (like attachment and aversion) attract and bind karmic matter.
• Samvara Adhikar (Chapter on Cessation of Karma Influx):
  • Cessation through Discrimination: Samvara is achieved by preventing the influx of new karma. This is primarily done through discrimination (Bhedavijñana) between the soul and non-soul, and by practicing right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • The Role of Guna Sthanas: The spiritual stages (Guna Sthanas) describe the gradual purification of the soul from karmic impurities, leading to Samvara.
• Nirjara Adhikar (Chapter on Shedding of Karma):
  • Methods of Karma Liberation: Nirjara is the process of shedding existing karma. This is achieved through penance, austerities, meditation, and detachment, all stemming from right conduct.
  • The Importance of True Renunciation: The text stresses that true renunciation is not just external asceticism but internal detachment from passions and worldly objects, coupled with unwavering focus on the soul.
• Bandha Adhikar (Chapter on Bondage):
  • The Nature of Bondage: This section reiterates that bondage is caused by passions and ignorance, leading to the soul's entanglement with karma.
  • Overcoming Bondage: Understanding the true nature of the soul and practicing the three jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) are presented as the means to overcome bondage.
• Moksha Adhikar (Chapter on Liberation):
  • The Path to Liberation: Moksha is the state of complete freedom from karma and the cycle of rebirth. It is attained through the eradication of all karmic matter by the practice of the three jewels.
  • The State of the Liberated Soul: The liberated soul (Siddha) is described as being in its pure, omniscient, omnipotent, and blissful state, existing in the highest realm of existence (Siddhashila).
• Sarva Vishuddha Jnana Adhikar (Chapter on Utterly Pure Knowledge):
  • The Omniscient Soul: This final chapter focuses on the state of the soul after liberation, which is characterized by pure, omniscient knowledge, devoid of any karmic contamination. It describes the soul's natural state of eternal bliss and consciousness.
• Syadvada Adhikar (Chapter on Relativism):
  • The Multifaceted Nature of Reality: This chapter likely explains the Jain doctrine of Syadvada (Anekanta Vada), which states that reality is multifaceted and can be viewed from multiple standpoints (Nayas). Understanding these different perspectives is crucial to avoid one-sided or absolute views, which are considered a source of bondage. The soul's nature, for instance, is described with various attributes, highlighting its complex yet ultimately unified essence.

Commentary by Ganeshprasad Varni:

Ganeshprasad Varni, a highly respected spiritual figure, provides a detailed and insightful commentary (Pravachan) on Kundakunda's Samaysara. His explanation is known for its depth, clarity, and spiritual essence, making the complex philosophical teachings of Samaysara accessible to a wider audience. The commentary aims to guide the reader towards self-realization and liberation by illuminating the path described in the original text. The book itself is presented as a tribute to Varni Ji, acknowledging his profound contribution to Jain spiritual literature and the propagation of its teachings.

Overall Significance:

"Samaysara" is considered a jewel in Jain literature, offering a direct and profound path to spiritual understanding. The commentary by Ganeshprasad Varni enhances its value by providing a clear and devotional interpretation, making it a guide for those seeking spiritual awakening and liberation in the Jain tradition. The text emphasizes introspection, self-discipline, and the pursuit of pure knowledge as the means to achieve the ultimate goal of life.