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THE MESSAGE OF JAINISM
into the depth of the intricate problem, goes so far as to affirm (II. 4) that the soul is incurring bad Karma at any time whatsoever, even if it does not directly do anything evil. The process is carried on even in sleep, or in a state of unconsciousness, for that matter. It is like the action of a man who has made up his mind to kill a certain person at the first best opportunity and, in pursuance of his plan, goes about with his murderous intent haunting him day and night. His sub-conscious mind in this state is laden all along with hostile sentiments towards the object of his inner hatred. In the some manner, the individual is continually driven by hostile sentiments towards the whole of creation, as long as he is inwardly prepared to satisfy his physical instincts, the moment they goad him, at the cost of the well-being of any other creature.
IV
According to the Scriptures, there is only one way by which the individual can save himself from incurring bad
Karma. It is the way of the “ PratyakhThe Way of the yana”, the solemn vow which restricts Pratyakh- the sphere of harmful acting. For, it is, yanas. after all, not enough not to do evil deeds,
but one must avoid them with full intention and deliberate resolution. Thus, for example one can vow not to eat meat in order to give an assurance. of safety, Abhayadana, the noblest of all gifts, to a large group of animals. Similary, one can vow not to eat at night in order to put another kind of limit to one's actions
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
