Jainism For Beginners Level 03

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 51

happiness lies within the soul. Whatever happiness we experience in life is due to the existence of the soul within the body. No dead body has ever experienced happiness or any other feeling. It is not the property of the physical body to experience anything. Happiness is the inherent property of the soul. This inherent happiness does not manifest itself on account of physical and mental limitations resulting from the bondage of Karma. Everlasting happiness can manifest itself when soul shakes off all its bondage
With the destruction of Aghati Karmas, the soul attains ultimate liberation. This is the final state which is known as the state of Siddha, Since there is no more karmic bondage, the soul is forever freed from the cycle of birth and death. It is now a pure a consciousness whose nature of infinite enlightenment and infinite happiness manifests by itself, because there are no longer any factors that obstruct or inhibit its full manifestation. Even a casual reflection of our routine experience would indicate that desire is the cause of all miseries, problems and unhappiness. In the liberated state, where there is no body, there are no requirements, and hence there is an eternal happiness. That state of no desire is the blissful state of liberation.
For this purpose we study the nature of soul, the bondage of Karmas that obscure and obstruct the manifestation of its inherent properties, and how to shake off the bondage. We saw that the soul is a substance on its own. It is eternal. It acquires bondage on account of Asrava of Karmas that can be prevented by Samvar and eradicated by Nirjara, This eradication process has two stages. The State of omniscience or Keval-jnan is attained when one totally overcomes delusion and all Ghati or defiling Karmas are destroyed, . After attaining Keval-jnan one may continue to live if he still has to destroy Ayu, Nam, Gotra and Vedaniva Karmas. These four are Aghati Karmas that are destroyed only upon death. For instance, Lord Mahavir lived for 30 years after attaining Keval-jnan.
Until the soul gets rid of all karma, it has to continually go through the cycle of birth and rebirth. Arihantas are destined to be liberated and Siddhas have achieved salvation. We therefore worship them. In common parlance, they are Jain Gods. They do not bestow liberation or any other favor on worshippers. Liberation is to be gained by one's own efforts. Listening to the teachings of Arihantas, provide directions for attaining liberation. Devotion to them and to Siddhas simply provides incentive for the aspirants to strive for the attainment of ultimate happiness. They serve as ideals for devotees.
Nav Tatva (Part-II)