Doctrine of Liberation in Indian Religion

Author(s): Shivkumarmuni
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher's Pvt Ltd New Delhi

Page 96

82 THE DOCTRINE OF LIBERATION IN INDIAN RELIGIONS remains in the form which it had in the last existence for a few minutes and then it takes the shape of a new body. The Buddhists assert that the five aggregates which form the human personality in an organic unity, are destroyed at death. Only vijñāna or consciousness with resultant karmas remains and takes new birth.
Four states of existence (gati) Jainism recognizes four states of existence ; 1. Celestial state of existence (devagati), 2. Human state of existence (manuş yagati), 3. Animal state of existence (tir yag gati), 4. Infernal state of existence (narakagati).
Jaina thinkers firmly believed that every individual has to bear the consequences of his own karmas in this life or another life. The good deeds have good results and take the jiva to celestial and human states of existence. The bad deeds have their evil effects and take the jīva to animal and infernal states of existence.
According to Jainism, every state of existence has four causes. The karma leading to the enjoyment of divine life has the following four causes :
1. Leading ascestic life with affection, 2. Leading ascetic life with pure mind, 3. Practising penance without knowing its consequences, 4. Practising austerities without any aim. The karma leading to human life has four causes : 1. Simplicity of behaviour, 2. Humble character, 3. Compassion, 4. Want of envy. Four causes of going to animal life are :
1. To deceive others. 2. To deceive others vigorously, 3. Speaking falsehood, 4. Practising fraud. Four causes of going to infernal life are :
1. Possessing immense wealth, 2. Indulging in violent deeds, 3. Killing the living beings possessed of five sense-organs, 4. Eating flesh, etc.81
81.
Sthānāmgasūtra, IV. 4.39.