Jaina Concept of Omniscience

SR No.: 001547
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramjee Singh
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1974
Total Pages: 258
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Knowledge
File Size: 17 MB

Page 120

THE BASIC POSTULATE OF THE THEORY
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Vaišeşikas with the real modification of self. Karma is material or non-material as it is the modification of matter or consciousness, The thought activity is Bhāva-karma; the actual matter flowing into the soul and binding it is Dravya-karma.
The reasons behind the Jainas putting greater emphasis on the doctrine of karma and working out a science of karma in greater detail than what has been done by other systems are as follows. Firstly, they had to substantiate the sovereignty and independence of the soul over matter. This was a reply to the Cārvākas who had reduced the soul to an epiphenomenon of matter and had also rejected rebirth and salvation. Secondly, the Jainas could not reconcile with the radical Vedāntins like Śarkara who would accord karma a place only in the realm of māyā, which is unreal as a metaphysical entity. “From the level of Paramārina, karma is irrelevant because the domain of Paramartha is the supreme truth which is non-dual."11 Thirdly, the Jainaz also wanted to refute che one-sided fluxism of Buddhism which could not adequately explain the fact of fruition of karma without the identity of a permanent soul. Lastly, the Jainas also wanted to correct the wrong Brahmanical notion that karma is subservient to God and hence what is more important is not karma but the compassion of God.19 If God is regarded as the creator, preserver, destroyer of the universe as also the dispensasor of fruits of actions as well as the inner-controller and guide, then God's grace is the only rescue and support. Therefore, apart from theoretical difficulties of introducing God in the realm of nature and his occassional intervention etc. this
11 T. M. P. Mahadevan's observations in the Madras Seminar on Karma
and Rebirth; Dr. R. V. De Smet 'The Law of Karma : A Critical Exposition.' Dr. N. Veezhināthan 'Karma and Rebirth', and others held similar views in the seminar. See also Brahma-Sūtra (S.B.), III.
1.1.; III. 1.13. 12 cp. Ķg Veda, X. 19.3; Tair. up., III. 1; Manusmệti, I. 5.9.