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THE DOCTRINE OF LIBERATION IN INDIAN RELIGIONS
the action, and according to the performance of the action is his
destiny."20 The idea of transmigration of self is illustrated in the following manner :
"As a goldsmith, taking a piece of gold, turns it into another, newer and more beautiful shape, so does this self, after having thrown off this body and dispelled all ignorance, make unto himself another, newer and more beautiful shape, whether it be like the Fathers, or like the Gandharvas, or like the Devas, or like Prajāpati, or like Brahman, or like other beings."21
Man is bound in the chain of birth and death by his own selfish actions. Every little thought or action has its effect on the destiny of man. The Upanişadic thinkers believed that the thoughts and deeds of one earthly life will have the fruition in the next life.
“Those whose conduct has been good, will quickly attain some good birth, the birth of a brāhmaṇa, or a kșatriya, or a vaiśya. But those whose conduct has been evil, will quickly attain an evil birth, the birth of a dog, or a hog, or a candāla."22
Those who know the reality of karma and rebirth, for them there is no return and they attain liberation. There are several passages in many Upanişads which emphasize the supremacy of knowledge. Thus for example :
"When that god is known, all fetters fall off, sufferings are destroyed, and birth and death cease. From meditating on him there arises, on the dissolution of the body, the third state, that of universal lordship; but he only who is alone, is satisfied.”23
The Mundaka-Upanisad states: "The fetter of the heart is broken. all doubts are solved, all his works (and their effects) perish when He has been beheld who is high and low (cause and effect).”24 Those who cultivate faith, knowledge and good conduct, they attain liberation. It is stated in the Praśna-Upanişad, “those who have sought the self by penance, abstinence, faith and knowledge .... they do not
20. Ibid., IV. 4. 5; see M. Winternitz, A History of Indian Literature, vol. I,
p. 259. 21. Brhadāraṇyaka Upaniş ad, IV.4.4.
Chandogya Upanişad, V. 10. 7. 23. Svetāśvatara Upanişad, 1. 11. 24. Munlaka Upanisad, II. 2. 8.
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