Sattavihanam

This Jain text, titled Sattavihanam (सत्ताविहाणं), is a significant work in Jain Karma literature, authored by Acharya Shri Vijaya Veershekharsuri. Published by Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashan Samiti, this particular volume, Granth No. 45, is the Part I (Purvardh) of the Uttara Payadi Satta (उत्तरपयडिसत्ता), accompanied by the commentary Hemanat Prabha Choorni (हेमन्तप्रभाचूर्णि) and including three appendices.

The text is a detailed exploration of the concept of 'Satta' (सत्ता), which, in Jain philosophy, refers to the state or existence of Karmas. It meticulously analyzes the nature, classification, and temporal aspects of Karmas, particularly focusing on the "Uttara Prakriti Satta" – the existential state of the subsequent or secondary karmic categories.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects presented in the provided pages:

• Author and Lineage: The work is authored by Acharya Shri Vijaya Veershekharsuri. The publication highlights the inspiration and guidance received from His Holiness Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Premasurishwarji Maharaj, a renowned authority on Karma Philosophy. The text also pays homage to other revered gurus like Acharya Shri Vijaya Heer-Suri and Acharya Shri Vijaya Ramchandra Suri.

• Publication Details: The book is part of the "Karma Sahitya Granthamala" series by the Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashana Samiti, an organization dedicated to publishing ancient Jain literature. This is the 45th publication in their series. The first edition was released in 1991 (Veer Samvat 2517 / Vikram Samvat 2047) with 500 copies.

• Content Overview (Sattavihanam): The main text, "Sattavihanam," is divided into five main sections or 'Adhikaras' (अधिकार), which are further broken down into various 'Dwaras' (द्वार):

  1. Satpadadvara (सत्पदद्वारम्): Deals with the existential aspect of Karmas, classifying them as existing or non-existing.
  2. Swamivadvradvara (स्वामित्वद्वारम्): Explores the ownership or possession of Karmas by different souls based on their states and stages.
  3. Sadyadiadvara (साद्यादिद्वारम्): Discusses the origin or beginning (Sadi) and non-origin (Anadi) of Karmas.
  4. Kaladvara (कालद्वारम्): Analyzes the temporal duration or time period associated with the existence and manifestation of Karmas.
  5. Sannikarsadvara (सन्निकर्षद्वारम्): Examines the proximity or conjunction of different Karmas with souls.

• Commentary (Hemanat Prabha Choorni): The text includes the "Hemanat Prabha Choorni," a detailed commentary that explains the verses and concepts of the main work, making the complex philosophical points accessible.

• Appendices (Parishishta): The book features three appendices:

  • Prathame Parishishte Mulagathadyansha (प्रथमे परिशिष्टे मूलगाथाद्यांशाः): Contains excerpts from the original verses (Gathas) related to the 'Sattapada' (state of existence) and extending to the 'Sannikarsa' (proximity) section.
  • Dwitiye Parishishte Udayasvamitvam (द्वितीये परिशिष्टे उदयस्वामित्वम्): Focuses on the ownership (Swamitva) of 'Udaya' (उदय), meaning the manifestation or fruition of Karmas.
  • Tritiye Parishishte Sattasvamitvam (तृतीये परिशिष्टे सत्तास्वामित्वम्): Deals with the ownership (Swamitva) of 'Satta' (सत्ता), the existential state of Karmas.

• Scholarly Importance: The text is recognized for its deep dive into the intricate principles of Karma Siddhanta, a cornerstone of Jain philosophy. Acharya Veershekharsuri, described as an expert, motivator, guide, and researcher in Karma literature, presents this profound subject with clarity and depth.

• Editorial and Publication Effort: The publication is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Bharatiya Prachyatattva Prakashana Samiti, aiming to preserve and disseminate vital Jain scriptures. The introductory notes highlight the grand release events and the committee's commitment to bringing such significant works to light.

In essence, Sattavihanam is a comprehensive treatise that systematically explains the existential status of Karmic matter in Jainism, detailing its various states, ownership, origins, durations, and interrelationships. The work is highly technical and philosophical, intended for serious students and scholars of Jain Karma theory.