Neuroscience and Karma

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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Neuroscience & Karma
We further believe that simultaneous discussion of the facts of science and wisdom of philosophy will help all of us to better understand both of them. While science, by itself may not be able to add fresh knowledge on the subject of karman, we are confident that scientific facts, if properly and systematically correlated with philosophy, are sure to enhance our understanding of the latter. 1. Cyclic Nature of Karman
The fundamental essence of the Jain doctrine of karman is based on the self-sufficiency and cyclic nature of the system; that is, the effect of the existing karman (karmaphala) becomes the cause of the new karman (karmabandha) and the vicious circle continues ad infinitum until one achieves emancipation. (see figure). As stated in "Doctrine of karman", the soul, pure in itself, has an innate ability to regain its pure state (Nirvāṇa' i.e. emancipation) by demolishing the power of karman and
A & YOGA
KASAYA &
ONS & AC
ACTION
PASSION
FRUITIO
BONDAGE
1. The analogy of sea-water defiled and polluted by various impurities and pure water
obtained from it is useful to understand the nature and process of Nirvana in many respects. It is well-known that totally pure water, in large quantities, is produced by the process of distillation. Rain is also a natural process of distillation. Basically it is possible to purify water because even in the polluted state of sea-water, it never surrenders its waterhood (i.e. atomic structure H2O). Similarly the soul never loses its fundamental soulhood when defiled by another substance -- kārmic matter. It would be noted that processes such as filteration can remove undissolved impurities but distillation is necessary for removing dissolved pollutants. Similarly 'Nirvana' can be achieved only by a prescribed process of spiritual discipline.