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Part 11: Karma in Jainism – Bondage and liberation

Comparison between Jain and Buddhist theory of Karma

Jainism and Buddhism, two ancient Indian religions, both incorporate the concept of karma in their doctrines. However, their interpretations and applications of karma differ in several key aspects. Here’s a comparison of the karma theories in Jainism and Buddhism:

Jain Karma Theory

  1. Nature of Karma

– Jainism views karma as a physical substance, a kind of subtle matter that adheres to the soul. Good or bad actions attract karmic particles that attach to the soul and affect its purity and liberation.

– The karmic particles are categorized into eight types, including those that obscure knowledge, cause delusion, affect lifespan, and influence experiences of pleasure and pain.

  1. Mechanism of Karma

– Actions (thoughts, words, and deeds) produce vibrations in the soul, attracting karmic particles. These particles bind to the soul based on the nature and intensity of the action.

– The bondage of karma can be influenced by passions (kasayas) such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed. More intense passions lead to stronger karmic bondage.

  1. Path to Liberation

– Liberation (moksha) in Jainism involves the complete purification of the soul by shedding all karmic particles.

– This is achieved through right faith (samyak darshana), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra), collectively known as the Three Jewels.

– Austerities, strict ethical conduct, and non-violence (ahimsa) are critical practices to eliminate karma.

  1. Deterministic and Ethical Aspects

– Jainism’s karma theory is highly deterministic, where the soul’s current state and future experiences are direct results of past actions.

– Ethical living, strict discipline, and ascetic practices are emphasized to control and shed karma.

Buddhist Karma Theory

  1. Nature of Karma

– In Buddhism, karma refers to intentional actions driven by volition (cetana), which lead to future consequences. It is not a physical substance but a force that shapes one’s future experiences.

– Actions create impressions (samskaras) that influence the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).

  1. Mechanism of Karma

– Karma operates through the principle of cause and effect, where wholesome actions (kusala) lead to positive outcomes and unwholesome actions (akusala) result in suffering.

– Intentionality is key in Buddhist karma; unintentional actions do not generate karma.

  1. Path to Liberation

– Liberation (nirvana) is achieved by extinguishing the desires and ignorance that drive karma.

– The Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration, is the path to purify one’s actions and mind.

– Meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom are essential practices to overcome the effects of karma.

  1. Deterministic and Ethical Aspects

– While karma influences future experiences, Buddhism emphasizes that individuals have the power to change their karma through mindful and ethical living.

– The focus is on transforming mental states and intentions to break free from the cycle of rebirth.

Key Differences

  1. Nature of Karma

– Jainism views karma as a material substance that physically binds to the soul.

– Buddhism sees karma as a non-physical force generated by intentional actions.

  1. Role of Intentionality

– Jainism considers all actions, including thoughts, words and deeds as binding karma.

– Buddhism emphasizes intentionality, where only volitional actions generate karma.

  1. Approach to Liberation

– Jainism focuses on shedding accumulated karma through ascetic practices and strict ethical conduct.

– Buddhism emphasizes transforming the mind and intentions through the Noble Eightfold Path and meditation.

  1. Determinism vs. Flexibility

– Jainism’s karma theory is more deterministic, stressing the direct impact of past actions on the soul’s current and future states.

– Buddhism offers more flexibility, highlighting the potential for individuals to change their karma through conscious effort and ethical behavior.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Jainism and Buddhism incorporate karma as a fundamental concept, their interpretations and practices reflect their unique philosophical and spiritual goals. Jainism’s karma theory is more material and deterministic, focusing on the purification of the soul, whereas Buddhism’s approach is psychological and ethical, emphasizing the transformation of intentions and mental states.

…..To be continued in Part 12

Karma in Jainism

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