________________
The Jaina Theory of Liberation and the Non-absolute :: 227
aforesaid two conditions. In support of the cessation of bondage in some jīva he states: “The absence of bondage is proved by the presence of right faith, etc., which are the opposites of the causes of bondage." Supporting the possibility of the expulsion of karmas from soul he observes: “In some soul the karmas are totally shed off, because their existence is terminated by their fruition. The termination of karmas by their fruition is proved by the fact their fruition is not found to be eternal.” As regards the first argument the absence of bondage is proved by the presence of such causes as oppose the process of bondage. In this respect the validity of the presence of the necessary causes still requires a proof. How can we show that the conditions like the right faith, etc., are attainable? On the contray in Jaina pholosophy we find a mention of such souls that can never attain these conditions. Hence in this respect the argument seems to provide insufficient ground. Coming to the second argument of Vidyānanda it is held that the existence of all the karmas is terminated by their fruition. But this fruition itself becomes a cause of further bondage, and thus the chain of bondage continues. The fruition of karmas is not a necessary condition for that expulsion (nirjarā) of karmas which we require for liberation. Moreover it is said that for liberation the 'akāma'4 type of nirjarā or expulsion of karmas is required and it is effected by means of penances and meditation. Expulsion of karmas in general, which is a common attainment of all the souls, is not a sufficient
1. Vidyānandin: Aptaparikṣā, p. 2 2. Ibid., p. 2. 3. Nemicandra: Gommata sāra (Jivakanda), verse 557 4. The Jaina coneives the principle of nirjarā or the expulsion of karmas
as having two varieties. The karmas when mature bear their fruits and fall from the soul. This is the first or the sakāma type of nirjarā. It is not sufficient for the attainment of liberation. so the devotee has to make special efforts to effect another type of nirjarā, the akāma-nirjarā which brings about a speedy expulsion of a larger amount of karmas. This type of nirjarā is very essential for the final emancipation of the soul.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
