Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai

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The Doctrines of the Jainas
The soul, according to Jainism, consists of four Infinites, 'i.e., Infinite Knowledge (Ananta Jnana), Infinite Intuition (Ananta Darsana), Infinite Happiness (Ananta Sukha) and Infinite Potency (Ananta Virya). These are natural characteristics of the soul and come to full manifestation in the state of salvation. These powers of the soul are neutralized by Karmic influence in the state of spiritual bondage, the state of beings engrossed in worldly affairs. The way to salvation means the effort of the soul to remove the Karmic obstruction and regain its natural state of four Infinites lying dormant since time immemorial. The nature of that obstruction, its gradual removal and the means thereto are the main factors to consider.
The cause of obscuration is known as Karman. It is composed of a material substance known as Karma Varana. The soul disturbed by the activity of mind, speech or body attracts the dirt of that substance and is thereby petrified. The passions of anger, conceit, crookedness and greed give duration and intensity to that dirt. The stronger the passions, the longer will the dirt of Karman last and the more strongly will it affect the soul. The accumulated Karman ends after producing its fruit, when its term is finished. At the same time a new disturbance causes a new accumulation. This process has gone on from time immemorial. It will continue as long as the new accumulation is not stopped and until the old is worked through or cast off through other measures. The way to salvation demands a deliberate attempt of the soul to purify itself from the Karmic dirt by stopping the new accumulation and destroying the old.
Karmic dirt is divided into two main functional
For