Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, places immense emphasis on the concept of Karma, differing significantly from its interpretations in other Indian philosophical systems. Unlike the common understanding of Karma as simply ‘action and reaction’, in Jainism, Karma is conceived as a subtle, physical substance ( *karma-pudgala*) that adheres to the soul (*jiva*) due to passions and activities. This accumulation of Karma obscures the soul’s inherent qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy, binding it to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (*samsara*). Understanding the Jain conception of Karma is therefore fundamental to grasping their path to liberation, *Moksha*.
The Nature of Karma in Jainism
In Jainism, Karma isn’t a divine judgment or a moral law imposed by a creator. It’s a natural law governed by the inherent properties of the universe. Karma-pudgala, the material form of Karma, is attracted to the soul due to *kashayas* (passions) and *yoga* (activities). These passions – anger, pride, deceit, greed – act as magnets, drawing in karmic particles. The type of Karma accumulated depends on the nature of the passion and the intensity of the activity.
Types of Karma
Jainism categorizes Karma into eight main types, broadly classified into *ghatiya* (destructive) and *aghatiya* (non-destructive) Karmas. These are:
- Darshana-avaranaya Karma: Obstructs right faith (belief in the Jain principles).
- Jnana-avaranaya Karma: Obstructs right knowledge.
- Mohaniya Karma: Produces delusion and obscures the true nature of reality. This is considered the most potent Karma.
- Vedaniya Karma: Causes pleasant or unpleasant sensations, determining the nature of rebirth.
- Nama Karma: Determines the body, status, and other physical characteristics of a being.
- Ayushya Karma: Determines the lifespan of a being.
- Upstambhi Karma: Obstructs the inherent qualities of the soul, hindering its progress.
- Pratyakhyana Karma: Suppresses the manifestation of inherent qualities.
Accumulation and Bondage of Karma
Karma accumulates through four main causes, known as the *asravas*:
- Mithyatva (Wrong Faith): Incorrect belief in the Jain principles.
- Avrata (Vowlessness): Lack of adherence to vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment.
- Kasaya (Passions): Anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
- Yoga (Activities): Actions of body, mind, and speech motivated by passions.
The intensity of the bondage depends on the combination of these factors. Karma can be bound in various ways – through its quantity, duration, intensity, and type.
Liberation (Moksha) and the Cessation of Karma
The ultimate goal in Jainism is *Moksha* – liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This is achieved by completely eradicating accumulated Karma and preventing the influx of new Karma. This is accomplished through the ‘Three Jewels’ (*Ratnatraya*):
- Samyak Darshana (Right Faith): Correct understanding of the Jain principles.
- Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Accurate and comprehensive knowledge of reality.
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living in accordance with the Jain ethical principles, particularly *ahimsa* (non-violence).
Practices like rigorous asceticism, meditation, and adherence to the five great vows (*mahavratas*) help to burn off existing Karma (*nirjara*) and prevent the accumulation of new Karma (*samvara*). When all Karma is exhausted and no new Karma is being accumulated, the soul regains its inherent qualities and attains liberation, ascending to *Siddhashila* – the abode of the liberated souls.
Conclusion
The Jain concept of Karma is a complex and sophisticated system that views Karma not as a reward or punishment, but as a natural consequence of actions driven by passions. Liberation, therefore, isn’t granted by a deity but achieved through self-effort, by purifying the soul and eliminating the causes of karmic bondage. The emphasis on non-violence, self-discipline, and right understanding provides a rigorous path towards achieving this ultimate goal of Moksha, highlighting the Jain commitment to individual spiritual liberation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.