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The Essence of Karma Theory
Karma theory is the bedrock of Indian thinkers and sages. In reality, it is the foundation of the Astika (orthodox) schools of thought. It can also be said that Karma theory is the foundation of Astika philosophies. Although there may be differences in the definition of Karma, the attainment of spiritual liberation is based on the liberation from Karma. There is no difference in this. Every philosophy has examined Karma in some form or another! Jain philosophy has examined it in great detail and with great subtlety.
All living beings in the world exhibit many kinds of inequalities and diversities. All the Atmavadin (soul-believing) philosophies have accepted Karma theory as the reason for this. The Anatmavadin (non-soul believing) Buddhist philosophy has clearly stated its acceptance of Karma theory:
_All beings experience the fruits of their actions, all beings are the masters of their own Karma, they are born in different species according to their Karma, their Karma is their own bondage, their Karma is their own liberation, they are elevated or degraded by their Karma. (Milinda Panha, p. 50.81)_