________________
40 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
(i) The soul is surrounded by a large volume of fine
matter called karma. (ii) The vibration of the soul is called Yoga or activity
and the activity may be due to the body, speech or thought. Hence vibrations in the soul occur as a
result of activity of any kind. (iii) When the soul tries to do anything, then instantly the
surrounding particles of matter cling to it just as the particles of dust stick to the body besmeared with
oil.
(iv) Like water in milk these particles of matter get
completely assimilated with soul. (v) This assimilation of matter with the soul remains
throughout life as well as in its migration from one body to another through the process of birth and
death. (vi) This connection of soul and matter is real; otherwise
in a pure state the soul would have flown to the highest point in the universe, as it is the innate
quality of the soul. (vii) As this connection or bondage is effected by the
karma or deed or activity of the soul, the subtle matter which combines with the soul is termed as
karma. (viii) This bondage of karmas with soul produces in the
soul certain conditions, just as a pill of medicine which when introduced into the body, produces
therein manifold effects. (ix) This bondage of karmas with soul, obscures the
innate qualities of the soul in the manner in which the light of the sun is obscured by thick clouds or
blinding dust. (x) Karma may result in or cause the inflow of punya, i.e.,
merit, or pāpa, i.e., demerit or sin, according as the activity is śubha, i.e., virtuous, or aśubha, i.e., wicked. The intention underlying an activity and its consequences are both taken into account. That is why,
