________________
Theory of Karma and Rebirth in Theravāda
: 117
spinal system and the body as such This is known as vijñapti or informative. Such effects cause certain changes in the body of the agent thereby making him accountable for the act. Hence, such actions are called informative acts. Besides, there is another kind of effect of one's action of which even the agent is not aware. Such effects are called avijñapti. Although, this avijñapti is not known to the agent but it leads him to its consequences. “This avijñapti seems to be something like the apūrva in the Mimāṁsā thought when it is taken as an intermediary between the action and its consequences. But when this is taken to have a strong influence on a man's character, helping, as it does, a saintly person in his moral progress and weakening a sinner by increasing his bad propensities. This seems to have a very important psychological significance. Thus, avijñapti persists and develops although the agent is not aware of it. This curious doctrine contains in itself the recognition of a real fact; the taking of a religious vow impresses on a man's character a peculiar bent, which is not consciously present but none the less must definitely affect the trend of his actions.":6
Theory of Karma
However, actions produce fruit (effect) only when prompted by desire (kamma), delusion (moha) and aversion (dveșa). Kamma by itself without craving (taṇhā) is incapable of bearing good or bad fruits. So if action is not associated with rāga, dveșa or moha it is like a burnt seed incapable of producing any fruit.' Here it doesn't seem out of place to make a distinction between acts which are supernatural (lokottara) and those which are born of desire. The former category of actions have the way for one's release while the later lead to rebirth and reward. Some deeds that bear reward may be requited in this life and some other grave crimes may inevitably receive punishment in the next life. A cursory glance at Arguttaranikāya, (111, 94) makes it clear that the retribution of sin depends upon the status of the sinner. If a good man commits some minor sin, that action is expiated with a slight punishment in this world,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
