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THE SEVEN TATTVAS
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consequently not formed by them in their next incarnation. This is true for other organs of the body also.
Thus, our present actions, inclinations and desires determine the requirements of our future body. Good actions which need a strong mind and body, lead to karmas which will help build a strong body and a powerful mind. Bad actions lead to a body which will be incapable of doing good deeds and thus lead the soul to further degeneration.
7. Gotra karma : The inflow of low-family determining karma is called by speaking ill of others, praising oneself, concealing good qualities of others, and proclaiming good qualities in oneself which one does not possess.
High family determining karmas are caused by praising others, denouncing one's own weaknesses, proclaiming good qualities of others, not proclaiming one's good qualities, an attitude of humility and not being proud of one's achievements.
8. Antaraya : These karma prakritis not only obstruct the unlimited powers of the soul, but cause obstruction in our giving charity, in our enjoyment, in the exercise of powers of our faculties and in our gains. These are caused by disturbing others in charity, enjoyment, making use of their powers and in their gains. Out of the abov eight Karma Prakritis, Mohaniya karma is the greatest hurdle in the liberation of soul.
5.9 These karma particles stay with the soul for a period depending upon the intensity of passion which caused their bondage and the intensity of their effect on the soul is also determined by the passions causing their bondage. Hence the soul remains in an impure state and shows attributes as affected by these karma prakrities. This is what is called fruition (effect) of karmas. On fruition of karmas, the soul exhibits similar passions which had bound these karmas and thus attracts fresh karmas and the cycle goes on. To attain liberation, efforts are needed to check fresh inflow of karmas and to force old karmas to be shed before time. This is called Samvara and Nirjara respectively. This process appears to be the only logical remedy to purify the soul and attain divinity.
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