First Steps to Jainism Part 2

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

Page 43

The Doctrine of Karma 29 effort the destined results of Karma bondage can be altered, or modified to a certain extent.
These stages are (i) Intensification (Udavartana) (ii) Dilution (Apvartna), (iii) Stay (Satta); (iv) Operation (Uday); (v) Prenature operation (Udirna); (vi) Interchange (Sankramana) (vii) Dormancy (Upshama) (viii) Flexibility (Nidhat) (ix) Inflexibility (Nikachana). These are briefly dealt within the undermentioned paras.
30.
(i) Intensification or Udvartana-means further increase in the Duration (Stithi) or Intensity (Anubhag) of Karma bondage due to one's action.
(ii) Dilution or Apvartana involve reducing the duration or intensity bondage as opposed to item (i) above. These both relate to the two types of Bondage only and as a result of these the duration of operation of Karmas may be prolonged or shortened as well made more severe or mild due to Udvartana and Apvartana respectively.
(iii) Stay or Satta means existence of Karma bondage with the soul before coming into fruition or operation. It is the idle state of Karma bodies.
(iv) Operation or Udaya is the bearing of fruits by the Karma due to all other conditions also being ripe. It is during the operation that the Karma have their good or bad effects on the beings and then leave the soul. It may be involuntary or by deliberate efforts when it is called Udirana (Premature-operation) discussed below at item (v) It has been prescribed that when Karma come into operation bringing pleasure or pain, one should observe complete equanimity (samata). This will make the Karma shed their attachment with the soul without further acquisition of Karma. If one loses his eqanimity and indulges in further passions this will lead to consequent bondage ad-inifnitum.
(v) Udirana or Premature Operation means bringing the Karma bondage into operation or fruition by deliberate efforts (like penance). In this process the Karma that could have borne fruits later can be ripened early to give results in advance like ripening of fruits by artificial means. It may not apply to all cases of and types of Karma bondage.
(vi) Inter-change or Sankarman involves the change of one type of Karma bondage into another type. Ordinarily the Karma bondage adheres to its own Nature, Duration and Intensity