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A Treatise on Jainism
Karmic matter never remains in an isolated condition. As soon as it takes form, it combines with the physical or fluid body, which stimulates it into activity. The stimulation into activity is called Asrava, Inflow, and the combination Bandha, Bondage. The Karmic molecules produce their effect after a certain period. This duration is called Aabaadhakala, quiescence. The action or effect, is called Udaya, operation. The period for which it continues to operate is called Sthiti, duration, and this varies with the mildness or intensity of passions. The natural siddance, falling, or shedding off, of Karmic molecules in due course during the period of duration is called Nirjara, shedding. This can also be effected earlier, and the operation and duration period can be shortened, by austerities. The duration and effect or fruition of Karmas can be increased or decreased. A person is the maker and master of his destiny, he can make himself happy or miserable, he can rise above circumstances, and can make a hell of heaven and a heaven of hell. A Karma bound in one life may produce its effect in the same life, in the next, or in a life thereafter.
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