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Jaina Karmology
163 aim. The Karma theory, thus, implies activated optimism for better life with an ultimate object of bond-free life. 15. The Theory of Karma dealt with in the Jaina scriptures is expressed in simple and traditional form and language. However, as the commentary on 8.1 indicates that it is the psychical form of karmas that has been dealt with through physical descriptions. One finds quite a number of psychical facts and factors associated with this theory. It would be more in tune with time that this is explained in terms of current psychology. This requires use of new terminology and language. Maháprajňa has initiated this process long ago and Navin Shah is extending it. For a beginner, his terminology and exposition is worth noting.
According to his analysis of Karma theory, he suggests the following sequence of seven activities in any karmic process :
Motivation and motives Needs → Physical/Psychical transactions Satisfaction Result Preventive and curative measures - Tranquillity.
These steps could be traditionally converted into four steps as below:
Deluding Karma - Realisation Stoppage and shedding of karma → Ultimate spiritual progress.
Thus, traditionally his first four steps form one step of deluding karma bond. This interesting exposition is summarised below.
There are three types of life-styles followed by the human beings of this world - (1) social life style (normal worldly life), (2) psychological life-style (lotus-like detached life) (3) spiritual life style (ascetic life-style).
The physical and psychical actions, behaviours, karmas and transactions of men are tuned to the life style they adopt or gradually move on. These transactions are a constituent of personal psychology and a causative factor for progress or regress of the individual. Physically, karmas are psychological but they could generate spiritual process.
The life of worldly man revolves round four spheres (social, economic, status and esteem and spiritual). It consists of (1) motives and motivations due to past experiences and impressions (psychic process due to internal and external factors like attachment, aversion and equanimity). They lead to think about (2) needs, wants or longings
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