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The status-determining species of karma has two sub-species: (1) high status and (2) low status. 8.12.
1. The status-determining karma has two varieties: (1) high status and (2) low status. How they are characterised ?
2. The high status determining karmic sub-species is defined as that whose realisation results in birth in the publicly honoured and dignified families like Iksvaku, Ugra, Hari, Kuru, Jnati etc.
3. The low status-determening karmic species is defined as that whose realisation results in birth in poor, unknown, worry-stricken and denounced families. Supplemenatry Notes 1. The commentary deals with the following points : (a) The status-determining karma has two sub-species: (1) high and (2) low. The high status karma leads to birth in families noted for their fame and respect. The low status karma leads to birth in families known for their poverty and painful life.
(b) The high status families have been mentioned. They are mostly clans of royal Ksatriya families. The term 'etc.' may include some other class of families. In contrast, no mention of any low status families has been made. Of course, one can surmise that all other families except the high status ones are low status families. They could be mostly manual working families. 2. Vācaka Umāsvāti has explained that high status of persons is based
on many factors like (1) Birth in Aryan Country like Magadha etc. (2) Birth in a good clan of Ksatriyas etc. like Ikshavaku, Hari etc. (3) Birth in a good family. (4) Birth in a noted place. (5) Birth in an honourable family respected by the community for good deeds and service. (6) Birth in a family having wealth and power.
The low status is based on factors just opposite the high status. The low status could also be there when a man is unable to earn fame despite the capacity for earning it. The low status has been exemplified
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