$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 43

06 - Nine Tattvas and Karma Philosophy
The doctrine of karma is the single most important subject of Jain philosophy. It provides a rational explanation to the apparently inexplicable phenomena of cycles of birth and death, happiness and misery, inequalities in mental and physical attainments and the existence of different species of living beings.
Jainism believes that from eternity, every soul is ignorant and delusional of its true nature, but nonetheless is bound by karma. The ignorant and deluded soul, while remaining in bondage, continues to attract and bind new karma. It is due to karma that the soul migrates from one life cycle to another, and passes through many pleasure and painful situations.
06-NINE TATTVAS AND KARMA PHILOSOPHY
The karma that bind our soul are due not only to the actions of our body, mind, and speech, but more importantly to the intentions behind our actions. Jainism strives for the realization of the highest perfection of the soul, which in its original purity is free from all pain, suffering, desire, and bondage of the cycle of birth and death. This way it provides the basis for the path of liberation.
Karma philosophy deals with many aspects of our life, such as our past karma, our current life, and our future state. These aspects are easily explained in the group of nine Tattvas or fundamentals. The proper knowledge of these Tattvas is essential for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation.
Nine Tattvas (Nine Fundamentals)
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Jiva
Ajiva
Äsrava
Bandha
Punya*
Päp*
Samvar
Soul or living being (Consciousness)
Non-living substances which include all the remaining five substances
Causes of the Bondage of karma
Characteristics of Bondage of karma
Merit or karma of good deeds
Sin or Transgression or karma of bad deeds
Stoppage of attachment of new karma
JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING