Swami Kartikeyanupreksha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swami Kartikeyanupreksha" (with the provided Hindi commentary "Vachanika"), based on the provided pages:

Title: Swami Kartikeyanupreksha (स्वामिकार्तिकेयानुप्रेक्षा) Author of the Original Work: Muni Swami Kartikeya (मुनि स्वामिकार्तिकेय) Author of the Commentary (Vachanika): Late Pt. Jaychandraji, Jaipur (स्वर्गीय पं० जयचंद्रजी, जयपुर) Publisher: Bharatiya Jain Siddhant Prakashini Samstha (भारतीय जैनसिद्धांतप्रकाशिनी संस्था)

Overall Purpose:

The "Swami Kartikeyanupreksha" is a significant Jain scripture that expounds upon the twelve essential contemplations (Anupreksha) that a seeker of liberation must meditate upon. The provided text includes a Hindi commentary ("Vachanika") by Pt. Jaychandraji, aiming to make the profound teachings accessible to a wider audience. The commentary also includes a preface and table of contents, along with the original Prakrit/Apabhramsha verses.

Key Themes and Content:

The scripture, comprised of 489 verses, is primarily a guide for the liberated soul (Mumukshu) on the path to spiritual realization. Its core message revolves around cultivating detachment from worldly existence by understanding its inherent suffering. This is achieved through deep contemplation of twelve specific themes:

The Twelve Contemplations (Anupreksha): The book systematically elaborates on each of these, which form the backbone of the text. These are presented in the table of contents and discussed in detail within the commentary. They are:
- Adhruva Anupreksha (अध्रुवानुप्रेक्षा - Impermanence): Reflecting on the transient nature of all worldly things, from the self to possessions, relationships, and even the body. The commentary emphasizes that nothing in the universe is permanent, and clinging to impermanent things leads to suffering.
- Asharana Anupreksha (अशर.णानुप्रेक्षा - Helplessness/Lack of Refuge): Contemplating that in the face of death and suffering, no external entity – not even divine beings or powerful individuals – can offer true refuge. The soul is ultimately alone in its journey.
- Sansara Anupreksha (संसारानुप्रेक्षा - The Cycle of Birth and Death): Understanding the ceaseless cycle of transmigration through various life forms and realms, filled with diverse forms of suffering. The commentary details the painful experiences in the hellish realms, animal births, human life, and even celestial abodes, highlighting the pervasiveness of suffering throughout Sansara. It also explains the five types of "paravartana" (revolutions) one undergoes.
- Ekatva Anupreksha (एकत्वानुप्रेक्षा - Solitariness): Realizing that one is alone in experiencing birth, suffering, death, and the consequences of karma. Even family and friends, though present, cannot truly share in one's personal experiences of joy and sorrow.
- Anyatva Anupreksha (अन्यत्वानुप्रेक्षा - Otherness): Understanding that the body, mind, senses, and all external possessions are separate from the true self (soul). The commentary emphasizes distinguishing between the soul and non-soul (ajiva) substances.
- Ashuchitva Anupreksha (अशुचित्वानुप्रेक्षा - Impurity): Contemplating the inherent impurity of the physical body, which is a repository of waste, dirt, and microscopic organisms. The commentary stresses that the body is an impure vessel, and attachment to it is misguided.
- Asrava Anupreksha (आस्रवानुप्रेक्षा - Influx of Karma): Understanding the channels through which karmic particles attach to the soul, driven by passions (kashaya), activities of mind, speech, and body, and ignorance.
- Samvara Anupreksha (संवरानुप्रेक्षा - Cessation of Karma Influx): Meditating on the methods and disciplines that block the influx of new karma, such as right faith, vows, careful conduct, and controlling the senses and mind.
- Nirjara Anupreksha (निर्जरा.नुप्रेक्षा - Shedding of Karma): Contemplating the process of shedding accumulated karma through austerities (tapas) and other spiritual practices, leading to purification of the soul. The commentary details the twelve types of austerities.
- Loka Anupreksha (लोकानुप्रेक्षा - The Universe): Understanding the structure and nature of the universe, including its dimensions, constituent substances (dravyas), and the distribution of sentient and non-sentient beings within it. The commentary provides detailed cosmological information.
- Bodhi Durlabha Anupreksha (बोधदुर्ल.भानुप्रेक्षा - The Rarity of Right Understanding): Reflecting on the immense difficulty of attaining right faith, knowledge, and conduct in this cycle of existence, emphasizing the preciousness of the human birth that allows for spiritual pursuit.
- Dharma Anupreksha (धर्मानुप्रेक्षा - Righteousness/Dharma): Contemplating the true nature of Dharma, which is characterized by non-violence, compassion, and adherence to virtuous conduct for both laypeople (Shravaka) and ascetics (Muni). The commentary outlines the stages of lay practice (12 Pratimas) and the ten qualities of ascetics.
The Nature of Reality: The text delves into Jain metaphysics, explaining the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) – Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time). It emphasizes their eternality and the concept of "anekanta" (multi-faceted reality).
Path to Liberation: The central aim is to guide the soul towards liberation (Moksha) by fostering detachment from the cycle of birth and death. This involves understanding the impermanence and suffering inherent in worldly life and diligently practicing the twelve contemplations.
Commentary's Role: Pt. Jaychandraji's "Vachanika" serves to simplify and explain the profound and often subtle teachings of the original work. He clarifies the meaning of the verses, provides explanations of Jain terminology, and connects the abstract concepts to practical spiritual application. The commentary also highlights the historical context and scholarly efforts involved in making this text available.

Historical and Publishing Context:

The preface indicates that collecting biographical information about Swami Kartikeya was challenging, suggesting he lived in an ancient period (possibly before 200 CE). His exact century remains uncertain, but the style of Prakrit and composition suggests an age predating other known Prakrit works from the Vikram era.
The commentary by Pt. Jaychandraji is presented in an older form of Hindi, rich with local dialectal elements. The publishers decided against modernizing it, believing it retains the authentic flavor of Jain devotional literature and that preserving the original language is valuable for understanding the historical development of Jain literary traditions.
The publication was supported by donations, with the initial funding coming from Seth Jhumakram Bhagwansa of Dharangaon, who wished to propagate Jain scriptures. The institution's policy is to publish books at cost, making them accessible to the general public.

Structure of the Book:

Mangalacharan (Invocation): Begins with prayers to the Tirthankaras and spiritual guides.
Table of Contents (Vishay Soochi): Lists the twelve Anupreksha and other sections.
Preface (Prastavana): Discusses the author's efforts, the challenges in dating Swami Kartikeya, and the preservation of the original commentary's language.
Commentary (Vachanika): Explains each verse and theme of the "Swami Kartikeyanupreksha" in detail.
Anupreksha-wise Explanations: The bulk of the book is dedicated to explaining each of the twelve contemplations with the original verses.
Concluding Remarks and Mangalacharan: Ends with auspicious verses and acknowledgments.

In essence, "Swami Kartikeyanupreksha" is a cornerstone text for Jain philosophy, offering a comprehensive guide to spiritual practice through meditative contemplation. The accompanying commentary by Pt. Jaychandraji makes its profound wisdom accessible, encouraging readers to cultivate detachment, understand the true nature of reality, and strive for liberation.