ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 253

the karman is, therefore, only possible through a series of special processes by the j va to first eliminate the absorption of new karman and to eliminate the karma already bound with it.
This doctrine of karma has been remarkably described by Jains in a systematic manner. Texts like Sa kha d gama, Pa casa graha, Karamgra thas, Goma as ra etc give detailed explanations of this doctrine. Salient feature of Jain karma doctrine can thus be listed as follows:
Karmas are material aggregates of extremely fine or subatomic wavelets pervading entire cosmos like sunlight. They are sense imperceptible. Not all the above particles are karmas. It is only those particles, which are capable of associating with j vas, are karmas. Karma influences the physical and spiritual properties of j va by
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Obscuring Defilements Counteracting Chaining with attachment and aversion Linking with past and future Making j va dependent and Creating sufferings for him.
Their existence is conformed by difference in physical and spiritual conditions of j vas. The karmas may be Sacred or profane, General or quasi- physical and Volitional or destructive. The materiality of karmas is confirmed due to
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Color etc. in them, Origination of volitions and feelings of pleasure and pain etc.
The karma undergoes bonding and de-bonding The karma doctrine is not applicable to
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Liberated souls /siddhas Permanent nigodas or micro organism Non-liberation-ables /abhavya.
The Jains have dealt karma doctrine under four heads namely:
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Name and kind of karmas
Definition, causes and mechanism of bonding ► Possibility of shedding of karmas > Methods of shedding
2.0 Name and kinds of Karmas Karmas can be contemplated from four points of view, namely: i. According to the manner of their effect (prak ti) or species
According to the duration of their effect (sthiti) iii. According to the intensity of their effect (rasa) iv. According to their quantity, i.e. number of their prade a bonded
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0