Kundakunda Acharya and Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology Chennai

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2. Having set the background of the Universe in which a soul lives, Kundakunda
Acharya describes in Pravachanasara, the teachings of those who achieved salvation particularly relating to the pure soul: Here, he urges everyone to perfect one's knowledge about the pure self and how to keep oneself absorbed in the
same. 3. While attempting to perfect one's knowledge of pure self, concentrate on knowing
on the timeless and permanent nature devoid of forms and maligned by karma particles. This is preached by Niyamasara. The only rule to achieve salvation is to continuously focus on the everlasting nature of the self. Sow the seeds of this type
focusing on the self and this will ensure the fruits of salvation. 4. Misunderstanding of the fundamental rule of Moksha may lead to certain
misconceptions and these are demolished in Ashtapahud. 5. Samayasara describes the purest self as revealed to the seeker when contents of
the previous four works are well assimilated.
Main Principles Following are some of the main principles discussed by Acharya Kundakunda. Understanding of these principles is very crucial to realisation of the pure-self.
1. SHUDDHATMA (Pure Soul) Acharya Kundakunda was a prominent Jain Philosopher. So, the concept of Bhagwan Atman or Shuddhatma has found a prominent place in his literature. Shuddhatma has been discussed in detail in Samayasara and Niyamasara. In Samayasara, he has told that Shuddhatma is neither a noble family person nor a Muni. Instead, it is absolutely pure. Without the understanding and realisation of pure self, nobody can achieve salvation. This is the be-all and end-all of all spiritual pursuits. A soul has only two permanent abodes - either achieves the purest state and stays for ever in Moksha or in Nigod (lowest form of subtle existence). Soul, being migratory in nature, takes other forms of life for a very short duration.
2. JNANEE-AJNANEE One who has attained self-realisation is knowledgeable and one who has not attained self-realisation is devoid of knowledge. According to Acharya Kundakunda, one who
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