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## Introduction: A Review of the Doctrine of Karma
The fundamental substances of the universe: There are two types of substances in the visible universe. Both have their own existence, qualities, and processes. One type of substance is sentient, possessing desires, emotions, knowledge, and the experience of pleasure and pain. The other type is non-sentient, lacking the processes mentioned in the first type.
Every philosopher has acknowledged the separate existence of these two types of substances based on their qualities. In the language of science, the first type of substance is called conscious (Jiva) and the second type is called unconscious (Ajīva, inert, physical). The Jiva acts with its own emotional and active efforts, while the Ajīva substances act according to nature. They do not have their own personal effort or endeavor in their actions. This difference distinguishes them from each other.
The cause of variation: If every substance has its own qualities, then what is the reason for the diversity and strangeness we see? We only see the Jiva mixed with Ajīva. We do not see the pure form of either. This is a question that every philosopher has tried to answer from their own perspective.
Every substance's inherent nature and the action that corresponds to it, as well as the substance with similar qualities, is called homogeneous. The nature of that substance...
...involves variation, Ajīva or...