First Steps to Jainism Part 1

Author(s): Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari
Publisher: Sancheti Trust Jodhpur

Page 36

22 First Steps to Jainism
(c) Character of Bondage will determine the intensity of the results of the
particular karma. (d) Magnitude of Bondage implies the quantum of karma bodies absorbed by
the soul.
It may be clarified that, as mentioned under influx, influx and bondage need not necessarily be painful or sinful. These may result in pleasure also as those arising out of meritorious activity e.g. charity, humility, service rendered through mind, speech and body etc. Such meritorious activity contrary to sinful one, results in influx or bondage which provides wealth and respect in this life or hereafter. However, this also does bind the soul and has to be got rid of for complete liberation of the soul.
Question may arise that how should one act or behave so as not to attract influx and bondage when both good deeds and bad actions result in bondage-and one cannot help activity of one sort or another as long as one lives. This question has been clearly answered in Jain scriptures that one should act with utmost vigilence without involving oneself too much in the activity or its result. Again the result of one's actions, should be accepted with equanimity and indifference. The simple formula for living in the world without attracting influx or bondage, thus hastening self realisation or liberation of self is:
While acting exercise utmost vigilance; When accepting results show indifference.
(v) Prevention--The fifth fundamental:
The fifth fundamental implies that soul being a free agent should cease from such activities which invites influx. For this two fold action is required-firstly non-indulgence in all such acts which result in influx and secondly exercising positive restraint on mind, speech and conduct through constant practice, so as to avoid or minimise the influx.
There are five major divisions of prevention which are the counterparts of those resulting in influx and are stated below in juxtaposition :