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Bonding of Karma (Bandha)
161
Question: Here it is explained that an enlightened soul does not
get tainted on its own, but by Kārmika fruition it gets tainted. Does it mean that Nimitta (Karma) is more powerful than
Upādāna (soul)? Answer: Let us consider the analogy. In this analogy, the crystal
is Upādāna and the surrounding red objects are Nimitta. The crystal becomes red in presence of surrounding red objects because it has the ability of becoming red in presence of surrounding red objects [Diagram-4]. Instead, a wooden block does not have such ability and as such it does not appear red by the presence of surrounding red objects. In other words, without the ability of the Upādāna any transformation in the Upādāna cannot be possible. In the same way, it should be kept in mind that it is the ability of the soul (Upādāna) of becoming tainted with attachment or aversion in the presence of external Kārmika causes (Nimitta). It may also be noted that the crystal (Upādāna) has this ability that it does not become red on its own, and the enlightened soul has this ability that it does not become tainted with attachment or aversion on its own. This answer is based on the commentary of these stanzas by Ācārya Amộtacandra as well as Ācārya Jayasena. Kalaśa 175 written by Acārya Amộtacandra also
nicely touches this point. Question: Again, if Kārmika Nimittacan lead to the
transformation then what is the value of this point that the enlightened soul does not get tainted with attachment or
aversion on its own? Answer: The value of this point is to learn that it is not appropriate
to become owner of the dispositions of attachment or aversion associated with the soul. This non-ownership is a valuable spiritual truth known as the science of separation. On one hand, by realizing that his soul is tainted with attachment or
