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THE NINE PADARTHAS OR FUNDAMETAL TRUTHS
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the nine Padārthas. It is difficult to find a precise equivalent for the word Padārtha, though Mrs. Stevenson has designated the nine padārthas as “The Nine Categories of Fundamental Truths."2
While dealing with the seven principles, reference has been made to auspicious and inauspicious thought as the originators of Karma. Punya and Pāpa are the two kinds of Karmas which are generated by good and bad thoughts respectively. Punya results from activities of such thoughts as are good, or occasioned by a happy state of mind. Papa results from activities which are caused by delusions of different kinds, anger and hatred. They are respectively the causes of auspicious or inauspicious Karmas. 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 through the senses or the life as pleasure or pain. Even though the soul has no form, due to the viscosity and dryness of the Karmas, the Pāpa and Punya get absorbed into the Karmic matter binding the soul. That is how the new bondage of auspicious and inauspicious Karmas takes place. 3
Since every kind of Karm is of two kinds viz. Bhāva Karma and Dravya Karina, Punya and Pāpa Karmas are also of two kinds.
The influx of Punya Karma takes place when the thoughtactivities 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 thoughtactivities 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
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