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THE KARMA PHENOMENOLOGY.
phenomenology, teaches that we are the makers and moulders of our own fate, and infuses life, strength and vigour by awaking Karma-what in us our high sense of moral obligation it means. and responsibility-the fountain-head of all virtuous deeds.
it is and what
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Now what is this karma on the phenomenology of which the whole of the Jain ethics is based? Etymologically it means action or deed. But as philosophical terminology, it signifies not only-action but the crystalised effect as well of the action, in so far it modifies the futurity of the doer even beyond death, and moulding his career to a great extent in the subsequent states of his existence. A close examination, for instance, of the appearance of man, of the anthropoid ape and of the bat, from almost identical embryos, will make it clear as to what we mean and understand by the operation of the Law of Karma in its most general signification.
The embryos of the above named organisms are identical in structure and composition. Hence the embryo of the bat ought to develop into a man. But it does not
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