Sambodhi 2006 Vol 30

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

Page 80

74
RAMANATH PANDEY
SAMBODHI
The only thing is to perform good deeds properly and very carefully which is possible by following the eightfold path. All these are also elaborated in 37 Bodhipaksiya dharmas. Indeed there are several examples of accomplishment who made their deeds causeless or completely free from ripening after examining the good and the evil deeds. For the attainment of emancipation, it is essential to follow the path of conduct, meditation and knowledge. The Buddha used to know on the basis of deeds of an individual about the future existence of his birth. The Buddha after knowing the right nature of Kamma said that 'O Monk ! after the detachment from anger, desire, attachment, dislike etc., you will be free from this travel. On the basis of own deeds, an individual becomes Brahmin and not by birth. An individual, even if he is an outcast by birth, he may attain nirvana by mindfulness.53 One is promoting long life by means of good deeds. According to the Buddha only good deeds may be redemptive. Thus, the doctrine of Kamma of the Buddha is more practical, here much importance is given to own deeds of an individual rather than prayer, worship etc. Only good deeds may cause self - redemption not the prayer. 54
Result of Kamma and the Theory of Kșaņikavāda (Momentary) :
As stated earlier that in Buddhist doctrine consciousness and deeds only are not Kamma but the result of Kamma, is also considered as Kamma. In doctrine of Kamma, results of deeds are one's own. It means only the doer can get the good or evil result. But there is a concept of puññaparināmnā or prāptidāna in Pālinikāyas, which indicates transformation of good virtues of the individual. We can share with others merely the results of our good deeds and not of the evil deeds. The future life of an individual is the result of his own Kamma and not of his ancestors. In Buddhist theory about the transmigration from this body to another on ripening of Kamma, it is said that one who performs deeds does not experience their fruits, or one performs deeds and another experiences its result. According to the Buddhist concept, man is made of five aggregates - material body, feelings, perception, predispositions, and consciousness. At any given time man is but a temporary combination of these aggregates; for the khandhas are subject to continual change. An individual cannot be the same for any two consecutive instances. Whosoever performs deeds is changeable, so till the gaining of the result, in fact, he does not remain the same. It means although he has changed even then he is not completely different from earlier.