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which no change what-so-ever is possible and its fruition compulsorily takes place in the same form as destined, is known as Nikācana or absolute immutability. This can
also be referred to as destiny or Niyati. 11. Gestation Or Period of Inactivity – The time that elapses
between the bonding of a particular karma and its coming to fruition is known as hibernation or Abādhākāla. It is part of existence of karma, which is defined as the period between bonding and separation. This is the period in which the karma remains associated with the soul in the same form as it was bonded. It must be appreciated that it starts changing its form in terms of quantity, intensity
and duration on coming to fruition. 12. Separation - the state of karma-matter, bonded with the
soul, when it gets separated from it after yielding due retribution is said to be the stage of separation or Nirjarā.
The Means of Achieving Karmic Separation -
We have understood that the soul that is naturally free, pure and flawless is flawed and bound to stay in the miserable mundane existence due to its association with the karma-matter. It is now time to dwell upon the means to achieve separation of the soul from bonded karma-matter so that it can reveal its true, pure and flawless form and liberate from the clutches of the worldly existence to dwell in the abode of the liberated perfect souls – the Siddhas
Jainism prescribes three means to achieve such separation. They are – 1. Right-Vision 2. Right-Knowledge and 3. Right Conduct. Some thinkers mention only two – knowledge and action. They take it that right-vision is an integral part of rightknowledge because we have concluded earlier that rightknowledge is not possible in the absence of right-vision. Again, some others mention four means – right-vision, right-knowledge, right-conduct and right-penance. The advocates of this view
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