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## First Karma Granth
143
(1) The karma that causes a being to be born in a high lineage is called **high-lineage karma**.
(2) The karma that causes a being to be born in a low lineage is called **low-lineage karma**.
A lineage that has gained fame for a long time due to the protection of dharma and morality is a **high lineage**, such as the Ikshvaku dynasty, the Hari dynasty, the Chandra dynasty, etc. A lineage that has gained infamy and disgrace for a long time due to the practice of adharma and immorality is a **low lineage**, such as the lineage of liquor sellers, butchers, and thieves, etc.
There are eight distinctions of **high lineage** based on the superiority of caste, lineage, strength, form, austerity, knowledge, wealth, and beauty. Similarly, there are eight distinctions of **low lineage** based on the inferiority of these eight qualities, such as inferiority of caste, inferiority of lineage, etc.
Pride (ego) in the above eight qualities leads to bondage for a **high lineage**, while pride in these qualities leads to bondage for a **low lineage**.
**Lineage karma** is like a potter. Just as a potter makes various kinds of pots, big and small, some of which are considered auspicious and used for worship with rice grains, sandalwood, etc., while others are considered inauspicious and used to store things like liquor, etc., similarly, **lineage karma** is of two types: **high** and **low**.
- Uttaraadhyayanasutra 23.141: **High lineage** is the cause of respect for the country, lineage, place, and the prevention of decline in the family. **Low lineage** is the opposite, causing the prevention of respect for the Chandala, Mataka, Dhyagha, bondage, and slavery.
- Satvarayasutra 8.13 Commentary