Shatak

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Shatak" by Abhayshekharsuri, which is the fifth commentary on the Karmagranth. The text details various aspects of Jain karmic theory with extensive commentary and analysis.

Book Title: Shatak Author: Abhayshekharsuri Publisher: Shri Shreyaskar Andheri Gujarati Jain Sangh Mumbai Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004954/1

Overall Summary:

The book "Shatak" is a detailed exposition of the fifth Karmagranth, presenting the philosophical principles (padarthas) of Jain karma theory, accompanied by extensive commentaries (tippani) that elucidate the underlying reasoning and nuances. The author, Abhayshekharsuri, a disciple of Prem-bhuvana-bhanu-dharma-jinsuri-shekharsuri, has meticulously compiled and explained these concepts, aiming to provide deep insights into the intricate workings of karma. The text is dedicated to his guru, Pujyapad Gurudev Shri Jayashekhar Surishwarji M.S., who provided crucial research and corrections.

The commentary aims to clarify the subtle and often abstrure nature of karma, shedding light on the profound teachings of the Tirthankaras and Ganadharas, thereby fostering greater faith and respect for them. The author also emphasizes the importance of teacher-disciple lineage for true spiritual understanding.

Key Concepts and Chapters Covered:

The "Shatak" systematically breaks down the complex subject of karma into various categories and detailed analyses. Here's a breakdown of the primary topics covered, as indicated by the table of contents and content:

• Fundamental Classifications of Karma:

  • Dhruva Bandhi/Adhruva Bandhi (Permanently Bound/Temporarily Bound): Differentiates karmas that are bound continuously versus those bound intermittently.
  • Dhruva Udayi/Adhruva Udayi (Permanently Manifest/Temporarily Manifest): Distinguishes karmas whose effects continuously manifest versus those whose effects manifest at intervals.
  • Dhruva Satta/Adhruva Satta (Permanent Existence/Temporary Existence): Discusses the continuous and intermittent existence of karmas in the soul's continuum.
  • Ghati/Aghati (Obscuring/Non-Obscuring): Categorizes the four obscuring karmas (Jnana, Darshana, Mohaniya, Antaraya) that hinder the soul's inherent virtues and the four non-obscuring karmas (Vedaniya, Ayushya, Nama, Gotra) that do not. It further classifies Ghati karmas as Sarvaghati (completely destroying) and Deshghati (partially destroying).
  • Punya/Papa (Meritorious/Demeritorious): Classifies karmas based on their positive or negative impact, driven by intense purity or intense delusion, respectively.
  • Kshetra-Bhava-Jiva-Pudgal Vipaki (Karmas ripening based on Space, Incarnation, Soul, or Matter): Explains how the ripening of karma is influenced by these factors.
  • Prakriti-Sthiti-Rasa-Pradesh Bandha (Bonding of Type, Duration, Intensity, and Quantity): Details the four ways karma binds to the soul.
  • Ownership of the Four Types of Bandha: Discusses who is responsible for the manifestation of these four aspects of karma.
  • Upasham Shreni and Kṣapak Shreni (Stages of Sublimation and Annihilation): Explains the spiritual pathways of karmic suppression and destruction.

• Detailed Analysis of Karmic Properties:

  • Bhūyaskaraadi Vichara (Analysis of Increase/Decrease in Karma): Examines the concept of how karmic influx can increase or decrease. This includes discussions on Bhuyaskara (increase), Alpatara (decrease), Avashthita (stable), and Avaktavya (inexpressible) bandha.
  • Bandha Sthanas (Locations of Karmic Bonding): Identifies the specific karmas that can be bound at different stages of spiritual development (Gunasthanas).
  • Sthiti Bandha (Duration of Karma): Delves into the duration of karmic bondage, including different viewpoints, ownership, and comparisons of durations. It covers various states of bondage, the impact of kashayas (passions), and the subtle rules governing these.
  • Anubhaga Bandha (Intensity of Karma): Explains the intensity of karmic effects, the concept of rasas (flavors), the contribution of kashayas and leshyas, and the distribution of intensity.
  • Pradesh Bandha (Quantity of Karma): Discusses the quantity of karmic matter that binds to the soul, including the concept of vargas (categories of karmic particles) and their distribution.
  • Specific Karmic Analysis: The book provides a granular analysis of numerous specific karmas, detailing their classifications, bonding characteristics, and behaviors according to their type, duration, intensity, and quantity. This includes detailed discussions on:
    • Jñanāvaraṇīya (Knowledge-obscuring karma)
    • Darśanāvaraṇīya (Perception-obscuring karma)
    • Mohaniya Karma (Delusion-causing karma): This is extensively analyzed, covering Mithyātva, Mishra, and Samyak Mohaniya, along with the twelve Kashayas and associated characteristics.
    • Antarāya Karma (Obstructing karma)
    • Vedanīya Karma (Feeling-producing karma)
    • Āyuṣya Karma (Lifespan-determining karma): Including four types of Ayushya karma and their bonding.
    • Nāma Karma (Body-determining karma): A vast array of Nāma karmas are detailed, including those related to body types, senses, forms, gati (destination), jati (species), etc.
    • Gotra Karma (Status-determining karma)

• Detailed Examination of Harmful and Benefical Karmas:

  • Punyakarma (Meritorious Karma): 42 types are listed, associated with positive outcomes.
  • Papakarma (Demeritorious Karma): 82 types are listed, linked to adverse outcomes.

• Analysis of Bandha Stages (Bhūyaskara, Alpatara, etc.): The text meticulously analyzes how the number of karmic types bound changes over time and stages of spiritual development. This includes:

  • Bhūyaskara Bandha: Increase in the number of karmas bound.
  • Alpatara Bandha: Decrease in the number of karmas bound.
  • Avashthita Bandha: Stable number of karmas bound.
  • Avaktavya Bandha: Inexpressible or indeterminate bonding.

• Detailed Tables and Classifications: The text includes extensive tables, such as the "Upasham Shreni" and "Kshapak Shreni" detailed analysis, and tables for Bhuyaskaraadi, Sthiti Bandha, and other properties across various karmic types and spiritual stages.

• Philosophical Debates and Nuances: The author engages with potential questions and interpretations, citing various schools of thought (e.g., Panch Sangraha, Karmaprakriti) and offering resolutions based on scriptural logic. This includes explanations for seemingly contradictory statements and the rationale behind specific classifications.

• Emphasis on Teacher's Guidance: Abhayshekharsuri expresses deep gratitude to his gurus, especially Pujyapad Gachhadhipati Shri Jayaghosh Surishwarji M.S., for their invaluable guidance, research, and corrections. He highlights the importance of learning directly from enlightened masters.

Key Takeaways and Author's Intent:

• Depth of Knowledge: The book aims to provide a scholarly and comprehensive understanding of Jain karma, going beyond superficial explanations.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Despite the complex subject matter, the author strives to make the concepts accessible to students and teachers of karma.
• Spiritual Growth: The ultimate goal is to help readers understand the mechanisms of karma, enabling them to purify their actions and progress on the spiritual path.
• Respect for Tradition: The author showcases the profound knowledge and meticulousness of ancient Jain scholars and their reliance on scriptural authority.
• Importance of Inquiry: The author encourages diligent study and self-reflection by suggesting that students first try to solve these principles themselves before referring to the book.

In essence, "Shatak" by Abhayshekharsuri is a significant contribution to Jain literature, offering a meticulously researched and deeply insightful exploration of karma, essential for anyone seeking to understand the fundamental principles of Jain philosophy and its practical implications for liberation.