Doctrine of Karman in Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Hiralal R Kapadia
Publisher: Vijibai Jivanlal Panalal Charity Fund Mumbai

Page 45

JAIN PHILOSOPHY
(CHAP
32.
27. kārmana-samghātana-n-k procures the flocking together of
the pudgalas of the karman-body. 6 Firmnesses of the joints.
The samhanana-n-k unites the bones of the physical body with one another. According to the firmness of the joining, 6 karmans are to be distinguished, which produce a more or less strong joining of the joints : 28. vajra-rşabha-nārāca-samhanana-n-k gives an excellent join
ing. The two bones are hooked into one another; through the joining a tack (vajra) is hammered ; and the whole is
surrounded by a bandage. 29. ysabha-nārāca-samhanana-n-k gives a joining not so firm as
the preceding one, because the tack is missing. 30. nātāca-samhanana-n-k gives a joining which is still weaker,
because the bandage is missing. 31. ardha-nātāca-samhanana-n-k gives a joining which is on
one side like the preceding one, whilst on the other the bones are simply pressed together and nailed. kilikā-samhanana-n-k gives a weak joining, by which the bones are merely pressed together and nailed. sevārta-(or chedaprstha-) samhanana-n-k gives quite a weak joining, by which the ends of the bones only touch one
another. The samhananas play a great rôle in Jain dogmatics. Only the first four make a meditation possible (Tattv. IX, 27); only the best i.e., the 1st joining of the joints, permits the highest kind of concentration which precedes salvation. 6 Figures.
The samsthāna-n-ks determine the stature of a being, that is to say: 34. samacaturasya-samsthāna-n-k causes the entire body to be
symmetrically built. 5. nyagrodhaparimandala-samsthāna-n-k causes the upper part
of the body to be symmetrical, not the lower. 36. sādi-samsthāna-n-k makes the body below the navel sym
metrical and above it unsymmetrical. 37. kubja-samsthāna-n-k makes the body hunchbacked, i.e.,
hands, feet, head and neck symmetrical, breast and belly unsymmetrical.