Satikachatvar Karmgrantha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Satikachatvar Karmgrantha" by Chaturvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Satikachatvar Karmgrantha (सटीकचत्वारः कर्मग्रन्थाः) - Four Karmagranthas with Commentary

Author: Chaturvijay Muni (चतुरविजयो मुनिः), disciple of Acharya Shri Kantivijay Muni, who was a disciple of Acharya Nyayanidhishri Vijayanand Surishwar (popularly known as Shri Atmaramji Maharaj). The text itself is attributed to Acharya Shri Devendrasuri (बृहत्तपागच्छनायक श्रीमद्-देवेन्द्रसूरिविरचिताः).

Publisher: Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar (प्रकाशिकाश्रीजैन आत्मानन्द सभा, भावनगर)

Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1990 / 1934 CE (विक्रम संवत् १९९० इखि सन् १९३४)

Series: 85th Gem of the Atmanand Jain Granth Ratnamala (आत्मानन्द-जैनग्रन्थरत्नमालायाः पञ्चाशीतितमं रत्नम् (८५))

Core Content:

This book presents four significant Jain texts related to the doctrine of Karma (Karmagranthas), authored by Acharya Shri Devendrasuri. The volume is particularly notable for containing the original works along with their scholarly commentaries (Tika).

Key Features and Structure:

1. The Four Karmagranthas: The collection comprises four primary texts on Karma by Acharya Devendrasuri. The specific titles mentioned are:

   • Karma-Vipak (कर्मविपाक): The first Karmagrantha.
   • Karma-Stav (कर्मस्तव): The second Karmagrantha.
   • Bandha-Swamitva (बन्धस्वामित्व): The third Karmagrantha.
   • Shad-ashiti (षडशीति): The fourth Karmagrantha. (Note: The fifth work by Devendrasuri, "Shatak," is not included in this specific publication but its subject matter is referenced in the introduction).

2. Commentaries (Tika):

   • The first, second, and fourth Karmagranthas are presented with their original commentaries (swopajya vivaran/tika - खोपज्ञविवरणोपेताः) composed by Acharya Devendrasuri himself.
   • The third Karmagrantha (Bandha-Swamitva) is accompanied by a commentary (avchuri-Avchuri-rup Tika - अवचूरिरूपटीकया) written by another Acharya from a later period. The author of this specific commentary is not identified in the preliminary pages, suggesting it was composed to supplement the original which may have been lost or damaged.

3. Editorial and Publishing:

   • The editor of this edition is Muni Chaturvijay.
   • The publisher is Vallabhdas Tribhuvandas Gandhi, Secretary of Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.
   • The printing was done at Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay.

4. Introduction and Supporting Materials:

   • The book features a detailed Preface (Prastavna - प्रस्तावना) that highlights the significance of the Karma Granthas in Jain literature and introduces the specific contents of this publication.
   • It explains the special features of this edition, including corrections of inaccuracies found in previous editions, the use of multiple ancient manuscripts (palm-leaf and paper), the inclusion of textual variations, clear paragraphing in the commentary, references to the original sources of quoted scriptures, and the use of bold (sthulakshar) for names of texts and authors for better readability.
   • A comprehensive Index of Referenced Works (Pratyaya Tarike Uddharel Praman Granthoni Sthanadarshak Suchi - प्रमाण तरीके उद्धरेल प्रमाणग्रन्थोनी स्थानदर्शक सूची) is provided at the end, listing the various Jain scriptures cited and their sources. This is a crucial scholarly feature for researchers.
   • The Preface also includes an Acknowledgement (Aabhar Pradarshan), expressing gratitude to the author, Muni Punyavijayji (for his contribution to the editing), and various benevolent female donors who financially supported the publication.
   • A Biographical Introduction (Granthakar no Parichay - ग्रन्थकारनो परिचय) is included, providing details about Acharya Devendrasuri, his guru, his estimated time period (around the 13th-14th century CE), his scholarship, his adherence to strict Jain conduct, and his significant role within the Brhat Tapagachha lineage.
   • A detailed list of manuscripts (Prationo Parichay - प्रतियोनो परिचय) used for the editing is given, specifying the source, material (palm-leaf, paper), condition, and estimated age of each manuscript (e.g., from Patan, Vadodara).
   • The Table of Contents (Vishaysuchi - विषयसूची) for each of the four Karmagranthas is provided, outlining the specific topics and verses covered within each text. This is extensive and demonstrates the detailed nature of the works.

Significance and Purpose:

The "Satikachatvar Karmgrantha" is presented as a crucial resource for understanding the Jain doctrine of Karma. The preface emphasizes that a true and complete knowledge of Jain philosophy and Agamas is impossible without understanding the principle of Karma. The text aims to provide a refined and accurate edition, building upon previous efforts and making the complex subject of Karma more accessible to scholars and practitioners. The inclusion of detailed scholarly apparatus like source citations and appendices enhances its value as a reference work.

In essence, this publication is a significant contribution to Jainological studies, offering a critical edition of foundational Karma texts with valuable commentaries and scholarly support, making them accessible for deeper study and understanding.