$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

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

Page 65

10 - PUNYA AND PÄP KARMA
one attains liberation. This can easily be achieved with the help of Punya karma.
Practically, Jain philosophy clearly states that to attain liberation one should continuously do virtuous activities without any expectation of the fruits of his work. Only Mohaniya karma hinders a person to attain liberation.
Four-Fold Results of Punya and Päp Karma Both Punya and Päp karma are manifested in the future in ways that the soul perceives as pleasure/reward and pain/punishment, respectively. Jain literature defines the four-fold combination of our reflection or tendency, known as Anubandh, while we go through the fruits of Punya and Päp. If our tendency is towards liberation and virtues, then it creates pious reflection (Punya-Anubandh). If our tendency is towards the worldly pleasures and non-virtues, then it generates sinful reflection (Päp-Anubandh). 1. Punyänubandhi Punya It means, while enjoying the fruits of the past virtuous or Punya karma, one uses one's wealth, health and power to help other living beings without any expectation of fame and power. This acquires further virtuous Karma without acquiring Mohaniya karma. Thus, a person's spirituality is enhanced and ultimately such person attains liberation. Very few people endeavor to earn Punya karma when they are infatuated by happiness and comforts.
2. Päpänubandhi Punya It means, while enjoying the fruits of past Punya karma, one uses wealth, health and power for one's own enjoyment, and indulges in non-virtuous activities. Sometimes, to acquire fame, social status, and power, a person may involve in virtuous activities. However, all such actions acquire Päp karma (Mohaniya karma). Most people, when infatuated by happiness and comforts, indulge in such activities and thus, in the end, misery is destined for them.
3. Punyänubandhi Päp It means, while suffering the consequences of past Päp or nonvirtuous Karma, a person reflects that his miseries are the consequence of his past bad deeds or actions, to which he bears the miseries calmly and with a sense of detachment and objectivity.
64
JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING