Karma Vignayan Shibir-2008-2009

Author(s): Jinchandra Acharya
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 2

Introduction
Upon achieving infinite knowledge (Keval gnyan) Tirthankara Bhagwans defined and developed the principles and foundations of the Jain religion. This resulted in two events:
1) Clear definition and recording of Jain religious rationale and philosophy, and
2) Establishment of the Chaturvidh Sangh consisting of responsible and respectable followers of the Jain religious principles and teachings of Tirthankaras.
At first, Tirthankaras totally immersed the Gandharos (leader disciples and scholars of Tirthankaras) in their teachings and philosophies. The Gandharos then spread the Tirthankaras' teachings of the Jain religion to the Chaturvidh Sangh. The teachings were spread through "Dvaadshangi". "Dvaadshangi" or '14 Agamas' are the main scriptures detailing the Tirthankara Bhagwans' teachings and philosophies of the Jain religion.
The Jain philosophy, which describes a way of life for all living beings and offers a very valid and rational explanation of the working of the world, is detailed in the 14 Purva. One of the 14 Purva is Karma Pravad Purva, which contains a very detailed study of Karma Vignyan.
In this Shibir, we will discuss the key points on Jain Karma Vignyan theory.
To understand the Jain Karma Vignyan theory it is necessary to have an understanding of selected other aspects of Jain philosophy: 1) Six Substances (Chha dravya) 2) Nine Principles (Nav tattvas) and 3) Six Characteristics (Chha sthan) of the soul. It would be difficult to understand Karma Vignyan without first having a basic understanding of these subjects.
The Nine Principles (Nav tattvas) of Jainism are: Jiva (Life), Ajiva (Without life), Punya (Virtue), Paap (Sin), Ashrava (Influx of karma), Samvar (Stoppage of karma), Bandh (Attachment of karma to the soul), Nirjara (Removal of karma from the soul) and Moksha (Liberation). These are closely connected with the principles of Karma Vignyan in one way or another.
In order to understand the science of Karma, we must also understand the characteristics of a living being (one of the six substances as per Jain scriptures): 1) It has a soul 2) The soul in its purest state possesses infinite knowledge, vision, power and bliss 3) It attracts karma 4) It bears the fruits of the attached karmas 5) It can attain moksha and 6) There are ways to achieve moksha.
Jainism does not believe in God or a Supreme Being as the creator and prime mover of the world. Jainism believes that this concept would raise too many questions and create further doubts. The concept of a Supreme Being which is almighty, powerful and compassionate can be negated or disproved. Therefore, Jainism places greatest importance on the relationship between living beings and the actions and effects of karma. Accordingly a very detailed dissertation on this topic is included in Jain religious scriptures.