Sambodhi 2003 Vol 26

SR No.: 520776
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 184
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 4 MB

Page 38

D.S. BAYA 'ŚREYAS'
SAMBODHI
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currents visible amongst the believers of this theory of results being in accordance with one's actions. One school of thought, which can be termed as divinist, believes that it is the almighty God who awards the reward or punishment for one's good or bad actions. The only flaw with this belief, to my mind, is that in the first place an individual's actions are guided by the divine will and in the result the due retribution for his involuntary actions is also dispensed by the divinity. This situ- ation can be compared with the one in which a headmaster sends a student on an errand and then punishes him for bunking the class. The dichotomy and ambivalence of this school of thought is clearly visible in the statements like "Hohi hai sohi jo Rāmā raci rākhā" and "Jo jas karahi so tas phal cākhā”. The other school of thought can be termed as naturalist and believes in natural retribution of one's actions without any divine intervention. This school of thought is, naturally, more scientific in its approach and is based on the scientific premise of action and reaction stated in the third Newtonian law that says, "To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". The Jaina Doctrine of Karma is closer to the second school of thought and believes in natural retribution rather than divine retribution.
Soul And Karma -
Soul or spirit is the basis of entire Jaina philosophical development. Jainism believes that the soul is an independent entity responsible for its actions, performed through the medium of the body that envelops it as long as it stays in its worldly corporeal existence, and their inevitable retribution - good or bad, pleasurable or painful - in accordance with the quality of its actions. The soul is abstract, formless and manifests itself through its embodiment. Further, it believes that such an independent soul is forced to suffer or enjoy the sufferings or enjoyments that come its way because it is kept in bondage by the karma. According to the Jaina thought the reason for this bondage and worldly wandering is the karma-matter that associates with it as a result of the actions of its bodily envelopment. It is the karma that is responsible for the worldly transmigration and repeated births and deaths in various classes like heavenly gods, hellish denizens, human beings and sub-human creatures. Karma : A Scientific Analysis -
Karma is a much talked-about word that has universal circulation. It has its application in all walks of life in all parts of the world. Not only Indian religious philosophies but also the western ones have given importance to karma by refer