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of character charitra which is the third jewel. Vedana means feeling. Vedaniya Karma generates the feelings of pleasures and pain. Moha means attachment. This is the worst type of Karma because it is the root cause of almost all other Karmas. Attachment for persons, properties, position, power, even ideologies and ideas is bad in life. It generates anger, frustration, avarice and violence. It is neither love nor appreciation, because the root of the word "Moha" is "Muh" (to swoon to faint). In a state of swoon, intellect does not work and the whole thinking process is blurred and objectivity is destroyed. Ganadhara Gautam's "moha" even for the great soul like Mahavira worked as an obstruction in achieving Keval-Jnana (pure knowledge).
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The first four Karmas are called "Ghati" and they cause obstruction to the real knowledge. The remaining four are 'Aghati'. They exist as long as the body exists. Their names define their functions.
(Ref: pg no 104-107)
Q29. What is the theory of transmigration of the soul? Explain how the theory is connected with the theory of Karma?
A29. Transmigration means the soul taking birth and rebirth in different types of lives. It is based on the theory of Karma and supplies the only rational explanation of many incongruities, inequalities and imbalances. found around us.
The mechanism of Karma cannot be fulfilled in one lifetime. Each lifetime one atma attains and exhausts a certain amount of Karmas. Whatever Karmas remain at the end of one life can only be exhausted in the next life. Hence, the concept of reincamation is conceived. When one has fully exhausted all of their own Karmas by the end of their lifetime, he attains moksha.
Q30. How long do the effects of Karma last?
A30. It lasts until a particular Karma is exhausted either by Samvara or Nirjara.(see answer to question 24) There are Karmas which are very sticky and heavy in character. They last long and it may not be possible to shed them even by Sakam Nirjara. Those karmas should be shed by Akam Nirjara. The incident of cow-herd in Lord Mahavira's life teaches us the power of Karma and Nirjara.
However certain other Karmas such as the Karmas of Nama, Gotra etc. can be easily shed. Intensity of a Karma depends upon the rigor and intention during performance.
Q31. Explain the relationship of Karma with the Nine Tatwas. A31. We learnt how Papa and Punya cause a 'Bandhan' (bondage) of Karmas to Jiva and the Tatwas of Papa, Punya, Ashrava and Bandha are
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