Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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matter (pudgala) constitutes the Karma-śarīra (Karmic-Body) also called the Sūkşma-śarīra (subtle body). This Sūkṣma-śarīra in association with the Sthūla-śarīra (Audārika-śarīra) or the physical/gross-body) of the living organisms profoundly influences their behavior and evolution.
2.2. The Karma Doctrine The underlying karma doctrine postulates that every physical or mental activity by the living being produces some imperceptible effects besides perceptible consequences. The imperceptible effects have the potential of restricting and distorting the attributes of the soul/consciousness. These alterations in the consciousness are bought out by the bondage of the soul to very fine and imperceptible particles of matter called karmic particles. The conscious attributes of pure Jiva such as infinite perception, knowledge, power and bliss get severely restricted (though not completely) and distorted by the karmic envelope. The degree of restriction and distortion of consciousness depends upon the type and strength of the Karmic bondage.
Thus, to express mathematically, a living being according to this theory can be represented by the equation:
Living Being
= F (Subtle body, Gross Body)
= F [(Soul + Karmic-particles), (Physical Body)], or
J = F(S, K)+ (k, M)].............. (1)
Where J is the living being (sīva); S denotes the soul,K the karmic particles bonded to the soul; k the activated karmas and M represents the physical matter constituting the physical body of the living-being. The form of the function F remains to be determined.
The Karmic particles attached to the soul constituting the Karmic envelope are called the Dravya Karma. Psychic, verbal physical activities (Yoga) in combination with the passions (Kaşāya), which lead to karmic bondage, are called the Bhāva-karma. The Dravya and Bhāva-karma are mutually related as each other's cause and effect. The Bhāva-karma attracts Dravya-karma (karmons) and binds them to the soul, while the latter may induce vibrations in the soul leading to further Yoga and Kasāya or further Bhāva-karma.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0
