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The **Ātmā** is the foundation of all the thinking, contemplation, and analysis of Jain philosophy. The **Ātmā** is an all-pervading, independent power. It is the creator of its own happiness and sorrow, and it is also the one who experiences the fruits of its actions. The **Ātmā** is inherently pure, but it is wandering in the world in an impure state, embodied with the body. Even though it is inherently blissful, it is being ground down by happiness and sorrow. Even though it is immortal, it is flowing in the stream of birth and death. The **Ātmā**, which is supremely powerful, is also experiencing suffering and pain in the world in the form of poverty, misery, and suffering. What is the reason for this?
Jain philosophy, while analyzing this reason, says that **karma** is what makes the **Ātmā** wander in the world. **Karma** is the root of birth and death. "**Karma** is the root of death" - this statement of Bhagwan Shri Mahavira is absolutely true, a fact. Due to **karma**, this world is constantly changing in various strange cycles of events. While theistic philosophies have attributed the cause of this world's diversity and happiness and sorrow to God, Jain philosophy has attributed the cause of all happiness and sorrow and the world's diversity primarily to the **jīva** and its main helper, **karma**. **Karma** is not an independent power; it is itself **pudgala**, inert. But when **karma** is performed by the **Ātmā** due to attachment and aversion, it becomes so powerful and potent that it binds the doer in its own bondage. It makes the master dance like a servant. This is the strange power of **karma**. What is this **karma**, the main seed of all the changes in our life and the world? What is its nature? How do its methods and results occur? This is a very serious subject.