Studies in Indian Philosophy

SR No.: 001580
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dalsukh Malvania, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1981
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, Epistemology, & Religion
File Size: 21 MB

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Studies in Iodian Philosophy
matter and liquidation or purging (nirjarā) of the accumulated kārmic matter thereby bringing about a dissolution of karman-śarīra.
A reduction in the creation of fresh kārmic matter is achieved through limiting or restricting karma or activity by practicing yama, restraint in lay life. As the Uttarādhyayana XXIX 27 says "By austerities he (the soul) cuts off the kar. man.” Again ibid XXIX 13 "By self denial he shuts as it were, the doors of the āsravas...”. A nirgrantha, a person without ties, i.e. a monk, however, undertakes minimal activity and thereby causes minimal inflow of new karmas and hence is better equipped to siop the formation of new karma. As Uttarādhyayana XXIX 32 observes : “ By turning from the world he will strive not to do bad actions and will eliminate his already acquired karman by its destruction...". Again ibid XXIX 37 “...by ceasing to act he acquires no new karman, and destroys the karman he had acquired before.”
Liquidation of accumulated karma is achieved through penances and self mortification-fasting (anasaņa), voluntary physical torture, kāya kilesa and sallekhana or voluntary suicide and other prāyaścittas.
The texts are unambiguous. "By autsterities he cuts off karman" Uttarādhyayana XXIX 27. “By renouncing activity, he obtains inactivity; by ceasing to act he acquires no new karman and destroys the karman he has acquired before” ibid 37. Again "The sinners cannot annihilate their works by new works; the pious annihilate their works by abstention from works...” Sūtrakstānga I. 12. 15.
Besides physical asceticism, Jainism, also, in common with other religious sects, teaches dhyāna yoga, mental asceticism involving practice of exercises in concentration aimed at temporary dissociation of soul from karman sarira. Here dhyāna yoga' was not aimed at obtaining supernormal powers as the exercise of such powers only leads to more activity, kārmic actions. It is an aid at stopping or curbing one of the sources