Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 9

accomplished entities can, however, reduce the life span by bearing the destined consequences in a shorter period. That is known as Udiranä. Heavenly, human, animal and infernal life span are the four sub-categories of this Karma
7)
Näm or Physique Determining Karma
By the operation of this Karma it is decided what type of body one gets. Its appearance, strength, health, stature, smartness, intellect etc. depend upon the nature of this karma. Its state of existence, which is known as Gati, is also decided by this Karma. Divine, human, animal or plant life and infernal existence are the four states in which the worldly souls are born from time to time depending upon this Karma. There are mainly 42 sub-categories of this Karma. Some of them are, however, subject to further subdivision. As such, this Karma is also said to have 93 or 103 sub-categories Even the destiny of becoming a Tirthankar is considered a sub-category of this Karma
8)
Gotra or Status Determining Karma
A living being is born in a particular type of family by the operation of this Karma. It is divided into two sub-categories. One is to be born in a noble or high status family or in a religiously oriented family. That happens by virtue of the wholesome Gotra Karma. The other is to be born in a low status or not religiously oriented family etc. That happens by virtue of the unwholesome Gotra Karma.
B:
Sthiti or Duration of Bondage
Indulgence in defilement is one of the major factors that leads to the bondage of Karma. Duration of the bondage depends upon the intensity of defilement at the time of incurring the bondage. The stronger and more intense defilement results in a bondage of longer duration and the weaker defilement results in a bondage of short term duration. Thus Sthiti of a bondage is subjective and varies from bondage to bondage. The scriptures, however, do indicate the maximum and minimum duration of different types of bondage. The maximum limits for all types of bondage are super-astronomical and are expressed in Sägaropams, (as vast as ocean), which are virtually immeasurable. The highest maximum pertains to the bondage of delusive Karma, which extends up to 7000 trillion Sägaropams, while the lowest maximum pertains to that of life span Karma, which extends to 33 Sägaropams. The minimum limits are laid down in terms of Samay, which is an infinitesimal part of a second. The minimum duration of the different types of bondage ranges from 9 such Samay to 12 Muhurta, which is equivalent to 9 hours and 36 minutes.
C:
Anubhav or Intensity of Bondage
Anubhav relates to the strength of the bondage and the intensity with which its consequences have to be borne. When a Karma matures and extends its consequences, it is known as Vipak and its intensity depends upon the degree of defilement that prevailed at the time of bondage. If the degree of defilement is high, the intensity of resulting bondage is very acute. In Jain terminology, this type of bondage, of the wholesome as well as of the unwholesome Karma, is known as Nikächit Bandh or the indelible bondage. It does not recede without availing of the consequences. The soul incurring that bondage cannot strip it off without bearing the same. If, however, the degree of defilement, prevailing at the time of bondage, is low, the resulting bondage is loose. The consequences of such bondage, at the time of Vipak, are relatively light. This type of bondage can be erased by penance or by undertaking any other activity, which can destroy such a weak bondage. That has, however, to be done before the bondage becomes operative.
D:
Pradesh or Areas subject to Bondage