Jain Journal 2007 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 11

180
JAIN JOURNAL VOL-XLI. NO.4 APRIL. 2007
field. The current interactive karmic field always holds the entire actualized status of all karma. We have the ability and power to control the interactive karmic field.
The karma system summarized above is based on the doctrine of karma propounded by Jainism. The fundamental postulates of the karma doctrine are examined in the ensuing section.
Fundamental Postulates of Karma Doctrine
Most branches of knowledge include doctrines that are based on postulates which are assumed to be true, or else the doctrines would be meaningless. Similarly the doctrine of karma is based on several postulates and these postulates are considered to be true for the doctrine of karma to be meaningful. Some of the essential postulates of the doctrine of karma and the basis of their veracity are explained below.
First Postulate: The universe is composed of eternal and independent substances. The substances are distinct from each other, i.e., one substance cannot transform into another substance. Two such substances are matter and soul.
There is no disbelief at present about the eternality of matter, as the modern science acknowledges the law of conservation of matter. According to this principle the matter can neither be created nor destroyed. Though the matter can change form, but it will always remain matter. The science does not acknowledge the existence of the soul, but it is unable to prove that the soul does not exist. The insurmountable evidence of experiences of rebirth has forced the scientists to reexamine their viewpoint about the soul. Once rebirth is acknowledged, the eternality of the soul has to be admitted.
Second Postulate: The cosmos is packed with karmic particles which constantly come in contact with souls.
The veracity of the postulate that the cosmos is packed with karmic particles is self-evident as the cosmos is filled with unlimited material particles. A question may arise that how these karmic particles