Sambodhi 1998 Vol 22

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 86

DOCTRINE OF KARMA IN JAINISM
Yajneshwar s. Shastri
The doctrine of karma is accepted by almost all philosophical systems of India barring Cārvāka This doctrine of karma has special significance in Jainism In fact, it is a driving force of this system According to Jainism, annihilation of all kinds of karma is liberation' and three-Jewels2 viz , right faith in the nine fundamental principles taught by Jina, right knowledge of these principles and right conduct are prescribed to annihilate these karmas Jaina concept of karma is totally different from other schools of thought According to Jainism Karma is neither a mystical force nor unseen power as some philosophical schools believe Karma is something material in nature The subtle particles of matter which flow into the soul and cause its bondage are called Karma Karma is infra-atomic particles of matter It is subtle matter, which cannot be seen by the ordinary sense organs Jainas believe that there kind of subtle particles of matter pervade the entire cosmic-space When we act, physically, mentally and vocally, these subtle particles are attracted towards the soul and stick to it and become cause of bondage of the soul The soul is perfect in its orginal state It has infinite knowledge, insight, power and bliss But the subtle particles of matter enter into the soul and make the mundane soul bound and put limitations to its capacity from beginningless past It is association of Karmnic matter which makes the soul impure and limited It is Karmic matter that binds the soul to the body Passions (kasāyas) viz, anger, pride, infatuation and greed, wrong belief (muthyātva), want of control (avirati), negligence (pramada) and Psychophysical activities (yoga) of mind, speech and body are the cause of bondage] These factors attract fresh-material particles which get transformed automatically into Karmic particles and engender empirical bondage of the soul Just as particles of dust cling to the oily body, similarly the karmic particles sticks to the soul which has become sticky by attachment and aversion Four passions are the main force in holding the soul in bondage, cause of suffering and cycle of births and deathsIt is, these passions accompanied by