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## Jain Philosophy and the Doctrine of Karma
India is the sacred land of philosophical thought. Here, sages have pondered deeply on the profound questions of life. They have contemplated and analyzed the nature of the soul, the Supreme Soul, the nature of karma, and the fruits of karma. Indeed, this is the very backbone of philosophical thought.
The doctrine of karma holds a significant place in the spiritual Indian philosophical tradition. In their quest to understand the causes of happiness, suffering, and the various complexities of worldly existence, Indian thinkers explored the doctrine of karma. However, the well-organized and well-developed form of this doctrine found in Jain philosophy is not found in any other system in such a systematic manner. Therefore, we present here the Jain perspective on the doctrine of karma.
**The Nature of Karma**
The actions that occur within this worldly being, who is bound by attachment and aversion, can be categorized into five forms: Mithyatva (false belief), Aviriti (non-restraint), Pramada (carelessness), Kshaya (passions), and Yoga (attachment). These actions lead to the association of a type of unconscious substance with the soul. This substance, fueled by attachment and aversion, binds itself to the soul. In time, this substance bears fruit in the form of happiness and suffering. This is called karma. In other words, the actions performed by a being due to Mithyatva, Aviriti, Pramada, Kshaya, etc., are called karma.
**(a) **"Kīrai jīma he uhi jeṇam tto bhaṇṇāe kamnam."** (He who speaks of karma is a true knower.)
**(b) **"Vimaya kamāyai rangiyahan je anuyālagganti. Jīva paesa mohiyahana te jiṇ kamm bhaṇati."** (He who is attached to the world, who is stained by the colors of the world, is bound by karma. The soul who is freed from attachment is free from karma.)
- Karma Grantha, Part 1.1
- Paramātma Prakash, 162