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JAINISM: A THEISTIC PHILOSOPHY "GOD IN JAINISM”
that which takes place in association with stoppage of karmic inflow. When the process of stoppage of the inflow of new karmic matter and that of the dissociation of the bound karmas reach their acme, the absolute and total dissociation of karma, which characterizes liberation, is attained.24
Liberation is attained through human body only. Heavenly gods are by nature lacking in restraint. So, it is not possible for them to attain the supreme state of liberation directly from their state of godhood.
The cycle of birth and death depends on soul's bondage with karma and the bondage depends on the unctuousness of attachment, aversion and delusion. How can those who have become absolutely pure, absolutely free from defilement of karmas, have unctuousness of attachment, aversion and delusion? And how can there be any possibility of their being bound again with karma?
We cannot even imagine such a situation. It is only on this account that Jaina thinkers consider it to be absolutely impossible for the liberated soul to be born again in the world and thus to be caught again in the cycle of birth and death.”
Cause and Effect: The doctrine of rebirth or that of karma is not the doctrine of nourishing and encouraging inactivity or idleness. On the contrary, it is the doctrine that inspires man to make proper efforts and to undertake good works leading to progress. So it is very useful doctrine conducive to all progress. It advises man to put forth proper efforts to destroy veils of karma, to advance on the path of liberation and ultimately to attain liberation. It is function of the doctrine of karma to connect the present birth with the past and the future births in the cause effect chain. If the future birth is not good, then it is in the hands of a man to make efforts to improve it as also to effect changes in inauspicious karmas and in their fruition. This is what the
24 Jaina Philosophy and Religion, P-28 2%Dr. Padmanabh S. Jaini, “Collected paper on Jaina Studies”, P-132
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