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Jain Theism
beginning and, at every moment it is gathering new matter, it has in the natural course of thing no ending."94 The full deliverance of the soul from Karma is therefore possible by a severe ascetic practice, by "Ahimsā, self-control and penance'. One who is able to do so is indeed heroic conqueror - a Jina. There are 8 chief or fundamental Karmas, namely 1. jñānāvaraņa Karma : the Karma that obscures knowledge 2. Darśanāvaraņa Karma: the Karma that obscures
undifferentiated cognition 3. Vedaniya Karma : the Karma which produces the feeling
of joy and grief 4. Mohaniya Karma : the Karma which obstruct belief and
conduct. 5. Ayuş Karma
the Karma which determines the
duration of life. 6. Nāma Karma
the Karma which gives the various
factors of individuality 7. Gotra Karma
the Karma which destines family
surroundings. 8. Antarāya Karma : the Karma which hinders the Jiva in
his ability to resolve and enjoy. The above mentioned eight types of Karinas are Dravya Karma and they have one hundred and forty eight subclasses. Of the eight primary class no. 1,2,4, and 8 are called 'Ghātis' because they affect spiritual faculties and capacitites. Till they, or any of them is there the soul cannot attain liberation or become an arhat, kevalin. The remaining four are known as Aghātis'. since they do not damage or obstruct spiritual qualities. They have their effect in body or physical condition only.
Karma has been also classified as auspicious and unauspicious i.e Subha and Aśubha Karma. The auspicious are those that bring happiness and pleasure while the unauspicious are those that bring suffering and grief. 4.2.5. Critical Evaluation
We have so far given a brief picture of Karma, the Jain theory of Karma, its meaning, significace and types. I have purposely not
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