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Jaina Philosophy and Religion
We should bear in mind that by its own activities the soul binds karmas and can also dissociate the bound karmas from it by its own activities. All karmas are not unalterable. Many of them are such as can be altered by proper spiritual efforts. The karma philosophy goes to the extent of declaring that even the unalterable (nikācita) karmas can be altered and even destroyed', but it can be done only by highly pure and intense spiritual discipline. What is meant is that we should not become inactive and lazy depending on karma. It is neither proper nor good for us. Of course, when the continuous efforts do not bring us success or when one does not find the proper ground for putting forth such efforts, then in such a situation one should consider the concerned karma to be of the unalterable (nikācita) type, should keep the mind cool and placid, and should patiently endure the favourable and unfavourable circumstances. If, without thinking as to what would be the influence of one's act on one's body, on one's mind or on others, that is, without paying any heed to the well established or possible cause-effect relationship, one performs an act following others blindly, or impelled by blind faith, ignorance, greed or temptation, then the act will not produce the desired effect. And in that case, one should blame one's own ignorance, thoughtlessness and miserliness for the failure of one's efforts. Power of discretion is that aspect of intellect which enables us to visualise the possible and impossible, the good and bad consequences of a particular act. We should use our power of discretion and should do nothing without first giving thought to cause-effect relationship. In the absence of the utilisation of this faculty, blind faith, blind following and imitation, ignorance, greed and temptation thrive. In spite of his knowledge that greed, etc., are defects, man yields to them and under their sway he performs wrong and evil activities, and as a result falls a victim to their evil consequences.
1. Upadhyaya Yaśovijayaji shows as to how one can destroy even the unalterable (nikācila)
karmas in the following verse of his 27th Dvätrimśikā: nikācitānām api yaḥ karmanām tapasā kşayaḥ / so'bhipretyottamam yogam apūrvakaranodayam // 24/7 The nikācita karmas can be destroyed by tapas (austerity). But by tapas is here meant not external austerities or any such austerities, but only those highly spiritual and yogic practices that characterise the far advanced stage of spiritual development.
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