Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

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According to Mahavira the doctrine of action is distinguished from the doctrine of non-action, scepticism and formalism, precisely in the words of the Buddha. To arrive at a correct understanding of the doctrinal significance of karma in Jainism, but also from other types of Karma. Karma is the deed of the soul. It is a material forming a subtle bond of extremely refined karmic matter which keeps the soul confined to its place of origin or the natural abode of full knowledge and everlasting peace. According to Mahavira the painful condition of the self is brought about by one's own action: pleasure and pain are also brought about by one's owu action. Indi. vidually a man is born, individually he dies, individually he falls, and individually he rises. Passions, consciousness, intellect, perceptions and impressions belong to the individual exclusively. All living beings owe their present form of existence to their own Karma. The sinners cannot annihilate works by new works, the pious annihilate their works by abstention from works. karma consists of acts, intentional and unintentional, that produce effects on the nature of soul which is susceptible to the influences of karma. The categories of merit and demerit comprehend all acts which keep the soul bound to the circle of births and deaths. Nirjara consists in the wearing out of accumulated effects of Karma on the soul by the practice of austerities.