________________
THE NATURE OF KARMA,
27
demoralizing the hearts of men with unholy superstition and awe of his supreme sway, irresistible might and vindictive unforgiving nature.
To revert to the point under consideration, it is now clear that a pure spirit cannot possibly be compelled to re-enter the bondage of' sin' when once it has attained to perfection, and that the condition of none of the souls now involved in the samsára has ever been that of perfect purity at any time in the past.
action, speaks for itself, and in such a manner as leaves no doubt as to non-interference on the part of any super-human or divine agency with the functions of substances. If it be said that the living beings are left free to do what they like so that their punishment or reward is only merited by them, that robs the supposed ruler of the universe of nearly half the activity that is going on in the world; and in respect of the other half nature stubbornly contests his claim, and obviously on good grounds. This leaves, only the function of a judge to be discharged by the deity on the Judgment Day. But in that case how explain the differences of status and degrees of development in the attributes of the soul now? The nature of all souls being the same, their differences cannot but be due to their own actions in the past. The position then stands thus : the Judgment Day is still far off, yet souls already experience the fruits of their actions ! Evidently, then, someone' else is acting as a judge already. Thus, there is no need for the postulation of a divine ruler of the universe, and the mechnical action of the force of karma, which is now meeting out rewards and punishments to all living beings, is the one and the only judge nature has appointed in this behalf.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
