Introduction to Jainism

Author(s): Rudi Jansma, Sneh Rani Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 87

KARMA
85
can not be destroyed, but its energy can be redirected. If one does not interfere with a disease - as is the practice of the Jain monks – the particular karma will exhaust itself. This is the way of nature. But not all of us are advanced disciples on the spiritual path. If we have a problem, we seek help. If we are ill, we go to a doctor. À bad doctor suppresses the outer manifestation of the disease and therewith obstructs karma. He seems to help, but in fact he does the opposite. Reasoning or meditating away a disease is even worse, because that compels karma to seek another way out, and in such a way that our human “wisdom” has no more grip. But is there no forgiveness whatsoever for us "common” people in our compassionate universe? Forgiving is mentioned in many sacred scriptures as a divine quality, and we are told that we should practice forgiveness in even the most difficult circumstances. Christianity especially emphasizes this attitude, but the teaching is found everywhere. If we really could forgive there would be no wars in the world, no setting of scores in criminal circles, no hatred and envy between people at work or at home. But God or the gods themselves let us perish in our karmic mire!?
Karma can not be destroyed, but it is possible to create a counterbalance. Good deeds may “interfere” with bad karma in such a way that the result becomes diluted or more neutral. Of course there is a difference between a thief continuing to steal, or deciding to stop and become an altruistic benefactor. The suffering he has created to others must of course bear its fruits, but the circumstances in which this takes place are also karmic. This also explains why very good people sometimes face "unmerited” setbacks. A particular karma ripens, but in the meantime that person has builds a character that has more stamina to bear and handle the difficulties. Monks specialize in doing, thinking and feeling good things only. But they can suddenly be hit by disaster, a payment for an old karmic bill from nobody knows how long ago, but they regard it as a blessing.