$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

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

Page 67

10 - PUNYA AND PÄP KARMA
correct interpretation of Jain Karma philosophy. The proper way to interpret Karma philosophy is as follows: Jain philosophy states that: • Only Mohaniya karma is responsible for acquiring new
Karma.
Also in our spiritual progress, only Mohaniya karma is completely removed first before any other karma is completely removed. Once Mohaniya karma is removed, all other remaining karmas become powerless and they cannot stop a person
from attaining liberation. To destroy Mohaniya karma, one needs human life, a healthy body, a compassionate nature, and spiritual surroundings. Only virtuous Karma can provide such an environment to the individual.
Hence, one should conclude that Jainism encourages everyone throughout their life to continue to do virtuous activities without any ego and expectation of reward or fame.
With the elimination of all ego, one does not have any desire for the result of his virtuous activities and accepts the outcome as it is. This is the true nature of a spiritually advanced person.
In summary, on the path of spiritual progress, one eliminates sinful activities and adopts virtuous activities in the initial stage. Later, one continues doing virtuous activities but eliminates ego (Karta Bhäv), expectations, and other vices. In the absence of ego or desire, a person does not acquire new Mohaniya karma, and continues to eliminate old karma to ultimately attain liberation.
66
JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING