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THEISM AND DOCTRINE OF KARMA
particles bound with the soul are called dravya-karma (physicalkarma) while internal mental states of attachment; aversion, etc. are called bhava-karma (mental-karma). In other words, the Jainas distinguish between material karma called dravya-karma and its spiritual counterpart called bhava-karma."
24
Mr. V. R. Gandhi explained 'karma is that finest matter which a living being attracts to itself by reason of certain impellent forces which are in the individual; not only attracted to but assimilated by the individual itself, it changes individuality of living being."
,25
119
Nature of Karma according to Jainism
Jainas have considered karma as material in nature. The karmic particles envelope the soul but do not destroy real nature of the soul. They (karmic particle) have an obscuring function. Therefore, they affect different forms (paryayas) of the soul. Man is in bondage due to handcuffs, he get intoxicated by liquor and becomes unconscious by chloroform. These are material objects. Similarly, soul gets obscured and not destroyed due to influx of karma.
The bondage of jīva (soul) is subtle, yet material in nature. The karmic particle enters the soul and vitiates its purity. The effect is very subtle and strong. The karmic particles affecting soul are called karma-vargaṇās (a group of karmic particles)."
26
Palatable food brings the experience of pleasure, while injury by Sastra (weapon) brings pain. These two are experienced as paudgalika (physical).
From the point of view of bondage (bandha), jīva (soul) and pudgala (matter) are not different; but are correlative. From the point of view of their nature they are different. Jīva is immaterial and
24 *Gommaṭasāra, (Jīvakāṇḍa), 606-8 25V. R. Gandhi, "The Karma Philosophy", P.3
26 Ibid.", 25
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