Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001663
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Physics
File Size: 23 MB

Page 114

Indriys, Karma and Lesya
senses to one, the sense of touch, but this did not find general acceptance. Being as subtle as the shining of jewel, this matter cannot appear alone; it is supported by gross matter (mahabhuta) of which the eye ball and flesh in general consist."1
A comparative study of Indriyas by all Indian systems of thought in brief reveals that the Jaina view on them from their physical and psychic aspects is more subtle and thoughtprovoking as they have been accepted as representing translu
cent matter.
SECOND SECTION
79
KARMA
All forces of life and Nature are associated together in the principle of cause and effect-the central theme of studies of all branches of knowledge. The fundamental law of causation pervades the entire sphere of physical and psychic worlds, governing the process of origination, continuity and decay of the substances- living and non-living, gross and fine, developed and undeveloped. A universal law of causation explains and interprets the psycho-physical actions and reactions of beings, which are manifested in the forms of thoughts, feeling and behaviour.
According to Jaina philosophy, soul is endowed with consciousness, infinite modes of knowledge, self-awareness, conduct, and of the attribute of neither heaviness nor lightness respectively, from the stand-point of condition in its perfect eternal state. But the worldly souls are imperfect, for their innate faculty is clouded by a very fine foreign element intangible to the senses which is called Karma and is an aggregate of material particles. This karma-pudgala (karmic matter), having entered into the mundane soul through the mental, vocal and bodily actions, causes certain conditions in it due to the modifications of consciousness comprising four passions, viz. anger, pride, deceitfulness and agreed.
1. The Central Conception of Buddhism, p. 10-11.