Jain Karma Philosophy Punya and Pap Karma

SR No.: 200000
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 5
Language: English
Classification: Article, Jaina_Education, & 0_Jaina_education
File Size: 42 KB

Page 7

To indicate that "because of nama karma" he traveled and preached does not fit into the definition of what is natural conduct for a Keval-Jnani. Also, the basic Karma philosophy clearly states that Karma is a symptom ant not the cause of any action. Always cause of an action is our Purusarth of free will. Summary Spiritually Jainism is a very simple religion to understand and practice. The Mohaniya karma is the single most dangerous karma because due to this karma we acquire all 8 types of karma and hence we cannot attain keval-jnan. Hence in order to reduce/eliminate Mohaniya karma, initially we need to attain the followings: Human life, spiritual environment, and healthy body. (These are the fruits of Punya karma only) Now in human life. put all our effort and awareness to reduce Mithyatva (illusionary knowledge of soul) and Kashaya (vices such as anger, ego, deceit, and greed). This will ultimately remove Mohaniya karma. In other words, in order to attain liberation we continuously need to do virtuous activities like helping others, showing compassion to all beings, following a strict vegetarian (Vegan) diet, studying and discussing of religion (Svadhyaya), and protecting the environment. Such activities will assure us a human life in next birth. However, while doing virtuous activities, we should remain very alert and should not get trapped by fame, power, high social status, or frustration of not accomplishing the result. In other words, do not reflect on any fruits or rewards of our virtuous work. Such reflection will reduce and at the end will eliminate our Mohaniya karma. Without the presence of Mohaniya karma, all other karma become powerless and person attains liberation at the end of current life. No one should think that Jainism teaches that Punya is a karma that hinders the soul in attaining liberation. Punya is a good Aghati karma and no Aghati karma hinders any innate qualities of the soul and hence Vitaraga state and Keval-jnana. On the contrary Punya karma provide a human life and spiritual environment for the soul in the next life to attain keval-jnan. It is our free will or determination (Purushartha) that determines our use of the favorable environment created by Punya karma. Pravin K Shah Jaina Education Committee jainaedu@gmail.com education @jaina.org Raleigh, NC USA Original February 20, 2011 Updated October 31, 2020