________________
THE NOTION OF GROWTH
stress-free communication, freedom from sorrow and fear, etc. Since the 'celestial' regions are inhabited by beings of similar disposition, these desires can be satisfied without being disturbed by beings with different objectives in life.50
101
Incarnations in the nether 'hellish' regions are caused by excessive attachment to objects, persons, status etc., unrestrained longing for the property of others, feelings like 'All this is mine' and revengeful, cruel thoughts at the time of death. This manifests the deep desire of the being for further attachment to matter and for the experience of cruel, revengeful behavior. Since the nether, 'infernal' regions are inhabited by beings with similar attitudes (narakas), this desire can be satisfied without disturbing other beings who have different objectives in life. Once this attitude weakens, i.e. once the corresponding time-karma is dissolved, someone bound to this level will get the opportunity to leave the respective region.
It is important to understand that these two types of existence denote no (religious) concept of heaven and hell in the sense of 'punishment' and 'eternal damnation', or 'reward' and 'eternal bliss', but a mechanism that positions a living being in exactly those conditions of life that are ideally suited for his desires and present abilities. It is an optional path which everyone defines by his behavior in the present.
50 In spite of all their - from the human point of view - extraordinary abilities, devas are not free from karma. Negative karma that might oppose the life-circumstances of devas has only receded into its latent state and will become active after the karmas that caused the celestial birth(s) are dissolved.
Jain Education International
Celestial beings may become so immersed in the enjoyment of their 'heavenly' conditions that they forget to develop higher stages of awareness. But here also the karmic mechanisms ensure that their (temporary) stability is broken up for further progress.
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
