Jainism For Beginners Level 03

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 35

[2]
[3-4)
AJIVA NON-LIVING BEINGS
PUNYA & PAAP
GOOD DEEDS &
BAD DEEDS
Dunya is acquired by meritorious or
virtuous deeds & Paap is acquired by evil or vicious acts.
The description of Ajiva & its five
categories has been discussed earlier. Jiva & the five categories of Ajivas are not in any way dependent on one another. Each of these six substances has potential to undergo changes in its own states. Other substances play the role of being instrumental in effecting the changes. For instance, Dharmastikays, Adharmastikaya, Akasha & Kal play the role of being instrumental in the change of location & time. Worldly soul does not try to identify itself with these four substances. The role of Pudgal on Jiva & of Jiva on Pudgal has been the source of a lot of confusion. Worldly soul does not realize that its embodiment & all its surroundings have resulted from its past Karmas. It tends to identify with all those situations ignoring the fact that they are momentary. This has been the root cause of continued bondage of Karma to the soul & resulting in transmigration. The discussion of Nav Tattvas will analyze the state of worldly soul & the factors that prevent or help in attaining liberation. Therefore Pudgal & particularly Karma Pudgal, will be discussed in detail.
As long as the soul is embodied with Karma, it indulges in one or the other activity. This activity may be physical or mental or both. It is possible that a person may refrain from physical activity for some time. His mental apparatus however never rests. It functions even when he rests or sleeps. Every activity involves Karma & one has to bear the consequences sooner or later. If one undertakes meritorious activity with the feeling of attachment, he earns Punya or Shubha (wholesome) Karmas; if he indulges in evil activity, he acquires Pap or Ashubha (unwholesome) Karmas. Depending upon the intensity & accumulation of wholesome Karmas, one may be blessed with happy & comfortable situations like, handsome & strong or beautiful & graceful body, good health etc. Unwholesome Karmas on the other hand result in unhappy & miserable situations like ugliness, illness, poverty etc. it is therefore generally accepted that everyone should try to undertake meritorious activities & refrain from evil ones.
Nav Tatva (Part-1)
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