Basic Principles Of Jainism

Author(s): Narayan Lal Kachhara
Publisher: Narayan Lal Kachhara

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THE NINE PADARTHAS OR TRUTHS
The process of the inflow or influx of Karmic matter into the soul and bondage has been discussed under the scheme of Seven Tattvas. If Papa (sin) and Punya (merit) are added to the seven Tattvas, we have the nine Padarthas. Thus Jiva, Ajiva. Punya, Papa, Asrava, Samvara, Nirjara, Bandha and Moksa are the nine Padarthas.
While dealing with the seven Tattvas, reference has been made to auspicious and inauspicious thoughts as the originators of Karma. Punya and Papa are the two kinds of Karmas which are generated by good and bad thoughts respectively. Punya is the result of auspicious thoughts of the mind while Papa is the result of the inauspicious thoughts. Both the kinds of thoughts, being pudgala in nature, assume the form of Karmas. The fruits of these Karmas which flow into the soul are experienced as pleasure or pain.
Since every kind of Karma is of two kind viz. Bhava Karma and Dravya Karma, Punya and Papa Karmas are also of two kinds.
The influx of Punya Karma takes place when the thought activities are actuated by love, compassion and purity. One who has devotion towards the Arhats, the Siddhas and the saints and respect the teachers will have the proper kind of affection or love. That man can be called compassionate who feels sympathy for the thirsty, the hungry, the afflicted and the miserable. Such thought activities result in Punya.
The causes of inauspicious Karmas are due to the disturbances of the mind by anger, pride, infatuation and greed. That person who has a cunning face, indulging in sensuality and speaking ill of others or scandalizing others incurs Papa. Hence on account of indulgence in sensual pleasures, distressed and angry state of mind and wicked propensities, three kinds of Lesyas of the bad type are formed (see chapter 11).
In common with all other religions which recognize the theory of merit (Punya) and demerit (Papa) the ethical doctrines of Jainism have laid down that thoughts and actions which are conducive to all well being of other or of oneself are meritorious and that those which are transgressions of the prescribed result is demerit or Papa.
Punya has been defined as that which purifies the soul or tends towards its purification. It is Karma (pudgala) in nature; its fruits being pleasure and happiness in the material world, it is also a helpful means to attain spiritual progress. It is the righteous thoughts and deeds that assist in the formation of right faith, cultivation of self-restraint and development of inner power. Most
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