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8 KARMA-SIDDHĀNTA
(THE DOCTRINE OF KARMA)
Soul And Karma -
Soul or spirit is the basis of entire Jaina philosophical development. Jainism believes that the soul is an independent entity responsible for its actions, performed through the medium of the body that envelops it as long as it stays in its worldly existence, and their inevitable retribution good or bad, pleasurable or painful - in accordance with the quality of its actions. The soul is abstract, formless and manifests itself through its embodiment. Further it believes that such an independent soul is forced to suffer or enjoy the sufferings or enjoyments, that come its way, because it is kept in bondage by the karma. According to the Jaina thought the reason for this bondage and worldly wandering is the karma-matter that associates with it as a result of the actions of its bodily encumbrance. It is the karma that is responsible for the worldly transmigration and repeated births and deaths in various classes like heavenly gods, hellish denizens, human beings and sub-human creatures.
Karma -
Karma is a much talked about word that has universal circulation. It has its application in all walks of life in all parts of the world. Not only Indian religious philosophies but also the western ones have given importance to karma by referring to it
