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Chapter 21 - Punya and Päp (Virtuous Karma and Non-virtuous
Karma) Introduction There are three types of inner aspects (Bhäva) - pure (Shuddha), virtuous (Shubha) and non-virtuous (Ashubha). The pure Bhäva is the true nature of the soul, which is devoid of any attachments or desire of accomplishment. This Shuddha Bhäva can exist only when one attains Vitarag state (12" spiritual stage). It should be noted that Shuddha Bhäva does not attract any karma but eradicates the existing karma. Generally the aspirant gets involved in some activities (physical, verbal or mental), which are performed with some attachments. When such activities are meritorious, it attracts virtuous karma, which are called Punya. When such activities are sinful, it attracts non-virtuous karma, called Päp. Hence, Punya Karma is acquired by meritorious or virtuous deeds and Päp Karma is acquired by evil or vicious acts. The manifestation of Punya brings material happiness and comforts such as wealth, fame and good health. While the manifestation of Päp brings unhappiness, discomforts, poverty and an unhealthy body. However, both keep the soul in the material world (cycle of birth and death). The concepts of Punya and Päp are more or less identical with most religions; however, they are more subtly treated by Indian philosophies. They take into consideration not only the actual act but also the intention behind it. They are unanimous in adoring meritorious intentions and activities and in condemning sinful ones. One may obtain material happiness and comforts as a result of virtuous Karma. However, material happiness does end and comfortable situations do not last forever. Then one has to undergo miseries unless one has in the meantime earned other Punya Karma while enjoying the fruits of past Punya Karma. Many physical activities may be called either good or bad. Organized societies endeavor to encourage beneficial or virtuous activities and to discourage the wicked or vicious ones. There may also be legal provisions to forbid some of the manifestly wicked activities to maintain peace and order within society. Some activities however cannot be clearly labeled as good or bad. In the spiritual sense, the intention behind performing them and the disposition in which an activity is performed, play an important role in deciding whether it would attract virtuous or non-virtuous Karma. Thus, Päp and Punya are to be viewed in relative terms and they depend upon one's mental attitude in a given situation. Keeping equanimity in the mind with all-meritorious activities of life and with self-restrain one can practice to be in pure (Shuddha) Bhäva. Punya (Virtuous Karma) Punya is a meritorious deed done with a feeling of self-satisfaction and accomplishment (in other words with ego). However, the same deed done without the feeling of accomplishment and attachment (without ego) is not Punya, such action or deed is considered the true nature of a person (Shuddha Bhäva). Hence, Punya activity is considered Upädeya (desirable) in the beginning stages of spiritual development to progress towards liberation (for laymen). For those who are active aspirants of liberation it is considered Heya (non-desirable), because such aspirants should not have feelings of accomplishment and attachment to even meritorious deeds. A spiritually advanced person's activities or deeds are always meritorious without feelings of attachment to the activities. No karma can attach to a person if his/her action is done without any attachments or feeling of accomplishments. Some Jain scholars preach that Good Karma hinders the purity and freedom of soul. Punya Karma is like handcuffs made of gold, causing the soul to wander in the cycle of birth and death. The fruits of good Karma have to be borne, indicating that one should even give up meritorious deeds. This is not proper because all Punya karma are Aghati karma and hence they do not hinder achieving Vitarag State and Kevaljnan. Also Punya karma result in human life, healthy body, and proper spiritual environment which are essential for the attainment of Vitarag State and Kevalinan.
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