Jaina Culture

Author(s): Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi

Page 92

KARMA AND LIBERATION
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separation of the karmic matter is called physical liberation. In the state of liberation, i. e., self-attainment, no new karmas flow in owing to the absence of their causes. The soul exists in its pure and perfect state. It attains its natural form and possesses infinite knowledge and infinite bliss. Although the emancipated souls have no physical forms, as they are not possessed of bodies, yet, they have the psychical forms of their last bodies. The liberated soul does not expand to the extent of the universe, as there is no cause for it. The expansion or contraction of the soul is determined by the physique-making karma. Since there is no physique-making karma in the state of emancipation, there is neither expansion nor contraction in the case of the soul in liberation. The emancipated soul maintains the form of its last physique for ever.
Immediately after attaining release from all karmas, including the body, the soul goes up to the end of the universe, as it is of the nature of darting upwards. If upward motion is of the nature of the liberated soul, why does it not go beyond the end of the universe, i. e., the universe-space ? There is no movement in the non-universe-space, as it has no medium of motion.
Though the liberated souls maintain their own forms and individualities, still in all essential qualities there is perfect equality among them and they do not obstruct one another. Jainism does not believe in God but regards karma as the cause of this world. It accords equal status to all emancipated souls. Emancipation is the consummation of spiritual development. All liberated souls are essentially equal. None of them enjoys any privilege. Causes of Bondage and Liberation :
Although all the types are bound by our physical, mental and vocal activities and passions in general, yet, every type has some special causes constituted by certain specific activities. Hostility against knowledge, disregard of a true