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BEYOND BODY AND MIND
equanimity and that helps in realizing the self. This is the practice which can end our wandering in various forms of life and cycle of birth and death and thus attain Moksha or Nivvaana or Salvation.
Doctrine of Karma—Some Misconceptions
Every one is responsible for his deeds. This is a simple theory of Karma. In Jain Philosophy it has been developed in a detailed manner-giving the system of Aashrava (incoming of Karmas), Sanwar (stopping the incoming of Karmas), and Nirjara (exhaustion of the stock of Karmas). There is a misconception that every act or deed results in the incoming of Karmas and as such if you want to yourself from incoming of Karmas (Save from Aashrava) then one should not indulge in any activity. Even acts like giving water to drink to a thirsty man is considered a sin by some people because by doing so, organisms in water are killed. If you save somebody who is endangered, is also considered a sin because activities of violence, if any, done by the saved person or being may be attributed to him.
Such misconceptions are leading to unkind behavior towards other beings whereas kindness is the base and sine qua non of religion. The basic doctrine of Karma has been misunderstood. An action becomes Karma only when it is done with foul intention accompanied by emotions like ego, anger, greed, or deceit. Action is not important. Important is the intention behind it. A doctor uses knife; so also does a robber. But the intention of the robber is to kill whereas that of the doctor is to save. How can the use of knife by a doctor and a robber bring the same result? An action cannot become Karma unless it is done with a foul intention and that alone determines the final result.
Love, kindness and service result not only in exhausting old stock of Karmas but also in making us detached with the body, things and people. We should use our means ( money, land, body, power etc.) for the help of others and that will help us in getting free from our attachment to wealth, body etc., and also making us desire-free. Then only we can experience the state beyond the body. This brings the experience of eternal bliss. Love is bliss which is eternal.
