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A SOURCB-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
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: The Jaina theory of karma is unique because Jainas have given a methodical and scientific analysis of the doctrine of karma. The Jiva due to its activity attracts kārmic particles which are material in nature and these kārmic particles envelope the soul and obscure knowledge, intuition and activity.
This obscuration brings bondage (bandha). The way to the spiritual salvation is to remove karma and the removal of the karma has to pass through stages. We have first, to stop the fresh influx of karma, i. e., called sarvara and then the annihilation of karma i. e., already accumulated by various means like suppression of the kārmic effect or destruction of karma. This is nirjara; and once all the kar nas are removed, we reach the highest state of perfection.
We have so far given a brief resume of the essential features of the Jaina contribution, to the development of the Indian thought. The essential features of Jaina philosophy, we may call the perennial philosophy of the Jainas. The Jaina view of life is realistic-empiricist coupled with pragmatic outlook. It is not a quietistic optimism, it advocates a struggle towards perfection and the pathway towards the realisation of the highest end of perfection. In this sense, the Jaina Weltanschauung is meliostic.
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