Shatkhandagama Pustak 08

This document is Volume VIII of the Shatkhandagama, specifically the section titled "Bandha-Swamitva-Vicaya" (Investigation of the Ownership of Bondage). It is a crucial text in Jain philosophy, focusing on the intricacies of karma bondage.

Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

• Authorship: The core text is attributed to Pushpadanta and Bhutabali, foundational figures in Jain scripture.
• Commentary: It is enriched with the Dhavala commentary by Virasenacharya, a highly revered scholar who elaborated on the original teachings.
• Editorship: This specific edition was meticulously edited by Dr. Hiralal Jain, with assistance from Pandit Balchandra Siddhant Shastri and the cooperation of Pandit Devakinandan and Dr. A. N. Upadhye.
• Content: The "Bandha-Swamitva-Vicaya" is the third Khanda (section) of the Shatkhandagama. Its central theme is the detailed analysis of which karmas (karmas) are possible in which spiritual stages (Gunasthanas) and life conditions (Marganasthanas).
  • It contains 324 sutras (aphorisms).
  • The first 42 sutras deal with the general classification (Ogha) based on Gunasthanas.
  • The remaining 282 sutras address specific classifications (Adesha) based on Marganasthanas.
• Dhavala Commentary's Contribution: The Dhavala commentator expanded the scope by addressing 23 specific questions, elucidating concepts such as:
  • The cessation of bondage (bandha-vyuchchheda).
  • The origin and non-origin of karma (svodaya-parodaya).
  • The intermittent and continuous nature of karma bondage (saantar-nirantar).
  • The causal and non-causal aspects of karma (sapratyaya-apratyaya).
  • The conjunction of karma with life-streams (gati-samyoga).
  • The ownership of karma streams (gati-swamitva).
  • The duration of bondage (bandha-avadhvana).
  • The places of cessation of bondage (bandha-vyuchchittisthana).
  • The beginningless and endless nature of certain bondages (saadi-anadi) and the permanent and impermanent nature of bondages (dhruva-adhruva).
• Key Concepts Discussed: The text delves into various categories of karmas and their characteristics:
  • Santa-bandhi (Intermittent Bondage): 34 types of karmas that cease after one time-unit of bondage.
  • Nirantara-bandhi (Continuous Bondage): 54 types of karmas that bind continuously for at least an antarmuhurta.
  • Santa-nirantara-bandhi (Intermittent-Continuous Bondage): 32 types of karmas that bind intermittently for a minimum of one time-unit and continuously for longer periods.
• Structure of the Volume: The book includes:
  • A preface (Prakathan) by Hiralal Jain.
  • An introduction (Introduction).
  • A description of the subject matter (Vishaya Parichaya).
  • The text itself, including the original Sanskrit/Prakrit, Hindi translation, comparative notes, and introduction.
  • Appendices (Parishishta) including:
    • Bandha-Swamitva-Vicaya Sutra text.
    • List of quotations (Avatara Gatha Suchi).
    • Logical principles (Nyayoktiyan).
    • References to other texts (Granthollekha).
    • Glossary of technical terms (Paribhashik Shabd Suchi).
• Publication Details: Published by the Jain Sahityoddharak Fund Karyalay, Amravati, in 1947 (Vir-Nirvana Samvat 2473).

In essence, this volume provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the Jain doctrine of karma, specifically the conditions under which different karmas are bound, by whom they are bound, and their temporal characteristics, all elaborated through the lens of spiritual stages and life processes, guided by the profound insights of Virasenacharya's Dhavala commentary. It is a vital resource for understanding the Karma-Siddhanta within Jain philosophy.