Karma Vignayan Shibir-2008-2009

Author(s): Jinchandra Acharya
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 6

Religious beliefs and practices and the soul are above karma. Karma is inanimate whilst living beings are soulful, with faith and knowledge. Though karma is a powerful matter, with strong faith and the right knowledge, the karmas can be detached. Rather than being overwhelmed by the Laws of Karma and becoming weak and scared of life, one should overcome the impact of karmas by practicing correct religious beliefs and practices, exercising self control and maintaining awareness.
The bond between soul and karma has existed since eternity. However, this bond is not endless. By relentlessly exercising Jain beliefs and practices, one can end the bond between soul and karma. This is why knowledge of Karma Vignyan is important.
If karma is our luck, then awareness and capabilities of our soul is the tool. For example, in a game of cards, whilst the cards dealt are a matter of destiny, we can be victorious with the cards dealt to us by utilising our skills and capabilities.
Impact of Eight Karmas on our Lives
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The Laws of Karma influence the actions of all living beings in their daily lives. In simple language, these
have been classified as paap (sin) and punya (virtue) • Punya karma will bring spiritual happiness to the soul and will also provide material wealth and
comforts. Paap karma will bring unhappiness and difficulties and will also reduce knowledge and understanding of religion. The impact of punya (shubh) and paap (ashubh) karmas can be threefold: 1) Prosperity and happiness for all living beings.
2) Difficulties and sadness for all living beings.
3) Suppression of the true nature and characteristics of the soul.
Karmas can be classified into eight categories:
1) Gnyanavarniya karmas affect the soul's absolute knowledge.
• Individuals are unable to get the right knowledge even though they may have the desire
and enthusiasm. They are unable to digest and understand what is being taught. Individuals tend to be simpletons, may be deaf or dumb, may have less developed brains and may suffer from weak memory and weak minds etc.
2) Darshanavarniya karmas affect the soul by creating delusions in our minds.
• Individuals cannot correctly visualize the ultimate goal and purpose in life.
Individuals are susceptible to blindness, may have weak eyesight and often experience
diseases of the eye. • Individuals may be always sleepy, may sleepwalk and are often in a sleepy stupor.
3) Vedaniya karmas affect the soul's capacity to attain absolute bliss. Vedaniya karmas have two distinctions: 1) Sata Vedaniya (Peaceful and serene) and 2) Asata Vedaniya (Agitated and violent).
• Sata Vedaniya karmas will result in material comforts, wealth and good health. • Asata Vedaniya karmas will result in a great deal of difficulties in life and ill health.