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Anekanta : Philosophy of co-existence
The Doctrine of Karmavad
The common perception of karmavad has deeply influenced the Indian mind. It has been thrown into the mould of fatalism. The influence of fatalism has reduced the capacity to make effort.
Mahavira propounded the principle of human effort (purushartha). His principle of purushartha was not against the principle of karma. Karma is the result of purushartha. Karma can bring about change. By bringing to light the possibilities of karma ripening before time and transformation of karma, Mahavira made the law of karma second to purushartha. There is also the possibility of curtailing or increasing the duration of karma and also its power of fruition. The principle of transformation of karma is that with evil practices, merit (punya) can be turned to sin (papa) and on the other hand with highly moral actions, papa can be turned into punya. As his karma so the fruits he reaps. Man would have become a puppet at the hands of karma if it were not for the principle of premature ripening of karmas and transformations of karma. Man's independence would have been completely destroyed. Then there would have been no difference between relying on God or karma. But the principles of karma ripening before time (udeerann) and transformation of karmas (sankraman) have freed man from the monopoly of karma by lighting the flame of human effort at the threshold of independence.
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