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 115

The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
NATURE OF KARMA-PUDGALA (KARMIC MATTER)›
The common meaning of the word 'Karma' is action and this meaning of its come across in the Vedic tradition from the Vedic age up to the Brahmanic period. In this tradition naimittika kriyās (occasional ceremonies) of day-to-day life, such as, sacrifice, etc., have been called Karma. It was admitted that the performance of these actions was made in order to please the gods so that they would fulfil the desire of the performer.1 The meaning of Karma as action is accepted in the Jaina tradition, but the Jainas do not admit only this meaning as it is pointed out. Each and every activity of the worldly beings or desire is infact Karma, but in the Jaina tradition it is called Bhavakarma. The non-living material substance which makes soul in bondage, having come into contact with it, due to that Bhavakarma (i. e. action of soul) is called Dravyakarma. It is Pudgaladravya (material substance); its appellation of Karma (karmasaṁjñā) is analogical (aupacārika), for it is the activity of soul or it is produced by its action, hence it is also called Karma. Here upacara(analogy) of the cause is made to be in the effect. That is, according to the Jaina definition, there are stated to be two kinds of Karma, viz. Bhāvakarma and Dravyakarma. The activity of Soul is Bhavakarma and its effect is Dravyakarma. There exists a relation of cause and effect between these two Karmas; Bhavakarma is a cause and Dravyakarma is an effect. But this. cause-effect relation is similar to the cause-effect relation of the hen and its egg. Egg is produced from the hen, hence it is a cause and the egg is an effect. It is true, but the hen also is born of the egg. 4 Therefore, there is the cause-effect relation 1. Mimaṁsā, 2. 1. 5.
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2. Kammattaṇeņa ekkam davvam bhavetti hodi duviham tu Poggalapindam davvam tassatti bhavakammam tu-sat., Vol. 15.6.
3. Ibid.
4. Amḍae paccha kukkuḍī puvvim kukkuḍī paccha aṁdae, Roha! see nam amdae kao? Bhagayam, kukkudio sā naṁ