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CYCLES OF BIRTH AND DEATH
shed his heavy karmic matter; see the well-known Jain legend about a snake in Mahavira's life, Appendix 1.)
In view of Axiom 2, one can end the cycles only through the human state for which the karmic density is comparatively lower than for any other form of life. The methods of removing all the karmic matter in the human state, i.e. to finally cut the bonds that imprison the soul, will be given in the next chapter (see Axiom 4A). However, when one's soul is liberated from the cycle of rebirth, it is stipulated that immediately another soul from a low form of life shoots higher; this leads in turn to souls in lower forms moving higher. Therefore, in liberating ourselves we are helping a lower life-form etc. to rise up on the life-axis. This chain-like progression is an interesting concept.
4.7 GENERAL COMMENTS
The two important points assumed in Axiom 3, are (1) the science of mind and matter and (2) the theory of reincarnation. Pedler (1981) deals with the present trend amongst physicists to find laws which govern not only matter but also consciousness, i.e. to explain various phenomena such as metal bending, object moving, telepathy, etc. However, progress is limited in spite of great efforts. He describes those which are now at least being scientifically investigated. The work of Capra (1975) is definitely a step forward.
Regarding reincarnation, Wilson (1981) examines the credibility of various reports of subjects who, under hypnosis, have apparently regressed into previous lives which they have described in realistic detail. He records that one Joe Keeton, a hypnotist, pronounces that there is no limbo, no rest between one life and another. From death to reincarnation is instantaneous. This hypothesis is precisely as given above.
4.8 GLOSSARY
1. Eight karmic components (=karma)
A. Primary (=Ghātiyā) (a) Bliss-defiling = Mohaniya
(a) Insight deluding = Darsa na-Moha niya
(az) Conduct deluding = Cäritra-Mohaniya (b) Energy obstructing = Virya-antarāya (c) Knowledge obscuring = Jñānā-avaraniya
(d) Perception obscuring = Darśan-āvaraniya B. Secondary (= Aghātiyā)
(e) Feeling producing = Vedaniya
