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However, the Karma philosophy teaches us that during meritorious action one should remain detached from the results of the action such as accomplishment, reward, fame, etc. or in other words perform these actions with equanimity. The detachment will not cause to acquire any new Ghati Karma and in particular Mohaniya karma. Hence, the true message of Jain Karma philosophy is that during our entire life, we should not miss any opportunity to do meritorious deeds but we should try to remain detached from the result, or any expectation.
Ways of Acquiring Punya
There are nine ways mentioned in Sthänänga Sutra (a Jain Ägam) that result in Punya.
Anna Punya
Offering of innocent, non-sentient, pure and vegetarian foods
Pän Punya
Offering of non-sentient and pure water
Offering shelter
Offering bed
Offering clothes
Good thinking
Good and kind words
Layan Punya
Shayan Punya
Vastra Punya
Mana Punya
Vachan Punya
Käya Punya Namaskar Punya
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Virtuous, noble and helpful activities
Paying homage to Pancha Paramesthi
The term adopted by some Ächäryas is offerings to "deserving people" (Supätra). Right people include Jain ascetics as well as householders who are practicing self-restraints, are pursuing the path of liberation, and are in need of help. There is no restriction against helping other living beings for the purpose of compassion (Jivadaya, Karunä and Anukampä) because our Tirthankars have preached about showing compassion to all living beings. Before initiation (Dikshä), Tirthankars donate to all living beings for one year without any such discretion.
Päp (Non-virtuous Karma)
Gautam Swami asked Mahavir Swami, "Bhante! How can one be free from Päp?" Mahavir Swami replied, "Gautam! There are three ways to get free from Päp:
• Knowledge of previous lives
• Knowledge of the mystery behind the cycle of birth and death
Knowledge of what is conscious mind (Chitta) and how to purify it." Knowledge of Previous Lives:
If one can recollect one's previous lives, including all the pain and pleasures one will automatically take the path of Punya and avoid the path of Päp. The person with the knowledge of previous life understands the mystery behind attaining the human life, including the spiritual efforts required to attain human life. Knowledge of previous lives is called "Jäti-smaran Jnän".
Knowledge of the Mystery behind the Cycle of Birth and Death:
Knowledge of causes of the cycle of birth and death, and fact that one is reborn in a good or a bad state because of his own good or bad Karmas. He realizes that, "My Karma is the reason why I am trapped in the cycle of birth and death." This realization makes one think to stop undesirable activities and makes him conscious of the importance of human life.
Knowing the Causes that Impure the Conscious Mind (Chitta):
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2
