Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Boolchand
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society

Page 79

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in two forms, as bhavalesya i.e., the feelings generated by the accumulation of the karma matter, and the dravya-lesya i.e., the actual coloration of the soul by it. Bandha or bondage of the soul by the karma is of four kinds according to its nature (fa), duration (fa a), essence (a) and content (2). Man's passions are responsible for the nature and duration of Karına and intensity and mass of Karma is largely determined by his exertion.
After the effect (far) of a particular karma matter has been once produced, it is discharged and purgd off the soul. The process of purging off of the karma is called Nirjarā. Nirjarā also is of two kinds, bhāvanirjara, i.e., the change in the soul by virtue of which the karma particles are destroyed, and dravya-nirjarā i.e., the actual destruction of the karma particles. Destruction of the karma is automatic after the reaping of its effects (far) but is possible by proper exertion even before its time of fruition (a). The best way is by burning up karma in the glow of austerities (). These austerities are of two kinds, exterior or bodily and interior or spiritual. The six exterior austerities are अनशन (fasting), ऊणोदरी (graduated decrease of the quantity of food), भिक्षाचर्या ( begging), रसपरित्याग (giving up dainty foods), 1 (mortification of the flesh), and aar (avoidance of temptation by control of limbs etc.); and the six interior austerities include प्रायश्चित्त (confession ), विनय ( reverence and humility), वैयावृत्य ( service), स्वाध्याय (study), ध्यान (Meditaticn), and कायोत्सर्ग (showing and feeling absolute indifference to the body and its needs).
When the soul is freed from all bondage to Karma, it gets released from the circle of births. It then attains Moksha or complete deliverance. It becomes a siddha or a perfect soul, there is no returning again to a worldly state. The siddha has been defined as a being "without caste, unaffected by smell, without the sense of taste, without feeling, without form, with