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Statement of Six Fundamentals
Poorva. They were described by Ächärya Siddhasen Diwäkar in Sanmati Prakaran about 1800 years ago. Comparatively recently they were included in Sadsathbolani Sajzäy by the learned Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji.
The existence of soul, its permanence, its indulgence in Karma, bearing of consequences, state of liberation and the method of attaining the same constitute the six Fundamentals. They are closely related to Nav Tattva comprising Jiv, Ajiv, Punya, Päp, Asrav, Bandh, Samvar, Nirjarä, and Moksha. Jiv (soul) denotes a living being. Its animation subsists by virtue of its consciousness. Everything else that does not have consciousness is inanimate, which means Ajiv. As Kartä (actuator) of its Karma, a soul acquires Punya (wholesome Karma) or Päp (unwholesome Karma). The incoming of Karma is Äsrav. Bearing the consequences of Karma implies that there is bondage (Bandh) of Karma. The liberation is Moksha and the means thereof are Samvar (Prevention of Karma) and Nirjarä (Eradication of Karma). No one should therefore remain under the apprehension that Shrimad might have brought these Fundamentals from nowhere. As a matter of fact, by explaining the same simply and logically, he has brought to light the path of liberation, which was lying unexplored since long.
These six Fundamentals form the basis of Jainism. In this respect Shrimad has written (Vachanamrut # 493, vide appendix II): “The enlightened persons have given the instructions of these six Fundamentals in order to remove the sense of ego and attachment arising from the dreaming state of the worldly soul that has been prevailing since the time without beginning.... The discernment arising from these six Fundamentals is meant to enable the soul to realize its true Self.”
