First Steps to Jainism Part 2

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

Page 25

The Doctrine of Karma 11
tely viz (i) Nature, (ii) Duration, (iii) Intersity and (iv) Quantum.
25. Nature Bondage (Prikriti Bandh)
The Karma acquired by the soul depend on the different types of activities of body, speech and mind accompanied by passions. As a result of the difference in such activities the Karma acquire different natures. These are broadly divided into eight species of Nature Bondage or Prikriti Bandh for the sake of categorisation though the nature of Karma Bondage is of innumerable types as the activities are of innumerable kinds. These Natures are invisible but can be judged from the effect of Karma on the living beings. The main eight kinds of Nature Bondage (Prikriti Bandh) are fur. ther divided into the following ninety seven (some authorities give more types taking sub-classes into count) detailed types which are discussed below :
(a) Gyanavarniya-Knowledge obseruing Karma with five sub-divisions.
(b) Darshnavarniya --Perception obscruing Karma with nine sub-divisions.
(c) Vedneeya---Feeling producing Karma with two sub-divisions.
(d) Mohaneeya-Deluding Karma with twenty eight sub-divisions.
(el Aayu-Age Karma with four sub-divisions.
(f) Naam-Physique Karma with forty two main sub-divisions, and ninety three (103 also) further sub-divisions.
(g) Gotra-Status Karma with two sub-divisions. (b) Antraya--Obstructing Karma with five sub-divisions.
25 A. Knowledge obscuring Karma-Gyanavarniya Karma
Knowledge or consciousness is an essential and distinctive attribute of the soul. This may be specific or general i.e. knowledge which gives specific information or exact nature of things is Gyan (as opposed to general idea of things wbich is Darshan discussed later). The Karma which obscure or obstruct this attribute of the soul i.e. consciousness or knowledge (the Gyan) due to its evil effect are known as knowledge obscuring Karma which are like a bandage on the eyes which obstructs the sight. Some of the reasons leading to knowledge obscuring Karma are criticizing and opposing the really knowledgeable or Gyanis, obstructing acquisi
tion of knowledge by any body and similar activities. It is known