Essence of Jainism

SR No.: 001537
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1988
Total Pages: 228
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 12 MB

Page 173

Chapter 12
KARMA ELEMENT
The doctrine of the activists-Karmavadins is this. Man's life is not limited only to this birth; it was there earlier and will continue in the births to come. There is no good or bad, gross or subtle, physical or mental fact that results in life, the seed of which has not been sown by man in the present or the past birth. Wide view of Karmavāda
There is no gross or subtle, mental or physical activity that would come to an end without creating a result in this or the other life. The activitist holds a wide vision because he covers up all the three times -past, present and future. This wide vision implies his individual, family, social and universal responsibilities and ethical bonds that differ very much from the responsibilities and ethical bonds that result from the very narrow outlook of Carvāka. This difference should be grasped precisely and only a part of it should be adopted in life. If even a part is adopted in life, then, the charges levelled against Carvaka would be found to be correct. We can then show even from practical dealings in life that the religious aim of the activists is far superior to that of Carvaka and therefore worth adoption in life.
[Darjan ane Cintana, pt. 1, 59]
Belief in Eternity of Scriptures
The Karmagästras of Svetamdaras and Digamdaras that live today in the Jain literature, are related directly to the ancient authentic works. Both the traditions take Dṛṣṭivada, the 12to of the 14 Angas to be the second Purva: both equally believe and accept all the Angas and the 14 Purvas; to be the direct fruit of the all-knowing speech of Lord Mahavira. According to this ageold sectarian view, all the literature existent to-day, that is related