Part 3: Karma in Jainism – Bondage and liberation

Asrava and Samvara

1. Asrava

Inflow of auspicious or inauspicious Karma particles into the soul is called Ashrava. Bhava – Ashrava is vibrations in the space points of the soul. It leads to Dravya – Ashrava -inflow of mainly eight types of Karma Pudgal. There are five main causes that lead to intrusion of karma particles into the soul. They are (1) Mithyatva (2) Kashaya (3) Avrata (4) Pramada and (5) Yoga.

There are 42 types of these five sub-varieties of Asravas.They are listed as below:

25 types of Wrong Beliefs – ignorance regarding the true nature of the self,

4 for Passions,

5 form absence of restraint on 5 vratas or alternatively no restraint on 5 senses,

5 for neglect of one’s spiritual ideal (Pramad),

3 for Activities of the Body, Mind & Speech (Yoga).

These are also called five types of causes of Bondage.

2. Samvara

Samvara is the exact opposite of Asrava. It means stoppage of inflow of Karma. Non-involvement in activities leading to Asrava is Samvara. Alternatively, the practice of the following 57 types of activities is included in Samvara.

 Samiti (Carefulness) – There are five routine activities of all Jiva. They are walking (Irya), Alms collecting (Esana), Speaking (Bhasa), Lifting or putting various objects (Adana – Nikshepa) and discarding body excreta / dirt (Utsarga). One has to be careful to avoid any violence in these activities. These are mainly for ascetics but lay person also have to take care in these activities.

 Guptis (Restraints) – These are three restraining activities of mind, body & speech to avoid any kind of violence.

 Parishaha Jaya (adversities) – Winning over 22 forms of obstacles and torments encountered in the course of spiritual journey – keeping cool and remaining non-violent in adverse conditions like thirst, hunger, cold, heat etc.

Up to this point, we have understood the significance of non-violence, i.e., the activities to avoid. Now, we will delve into the activities required to proceed further on the path of spiritual journey.

Yati – Dharma (Ascetic Behaviors) – Engagement in the practice of 10 excellent qualities meant for the monk, e.g., restraint, truth, purity, celibacy, non-possession, forgiveness, egolessness, straightforwardness, no greed and penance. The first five relates to the five vratas, the next four are related to passions and the last one is penance.

Anuprekshas / Bhavanas – These are 12 continuous mental contemplations that will lead to detachment from worldly pleasures, in case one is likely to miss the spiritual path.

Charitra – Practice of the five steps leading to liberation.

3. Nirjara

It is the practice of shedding Karmas, both auspicious and inauspicious.

Nirjara is possible in two fundamental ways, i.e.,Akama Nirjara and Sakam Nirjara .

Akam Nirjara happens in the normal course of nature. It does not require any spiritual endeavor to bring about Akam Nirjara. When a particular Karma accumulated in the past fructifies, it gives its results. After giving its fruits, the concerned Karma gets disassociated from the soul. While enjoying the fruits in this process, one is likely to bind fresh Karmas. This is an effortless automatic process.

On the other hand Sakama Nirjara is a result of spiritual endeavor in the form of practice of Penance (Tapa). In this form of Nirjara, the soul is able to shed off Karma by bringing them to fruition prematurely through spiritual practice of penance. This type of Nirjara is normally associated with Samvara, which means stoppage of the inflow of fresh karma. The practice of penance could be done in 12 different ways (Tapa). This is to burn karmas before they could give their fruits – Sakama Nirjara.

The ultimate shedding of material Karma Pudgal is called Nirjara.

Bahya Tapas

The Bahya or bahiranga tapa or external austerities are meant to discipline the sensual cravings, and prepares the person for internal austerities, which come next.

1. Anasana – Fasting purifies sense organs, lessens the sense of attachment to bodily enjoyments.
2. Avamodarya or Alpahara – Eating less than one’s normal diet removes laziness/lethargy and brings in fresh energy to the mind.
3. Vritti parisankhyana or Vritasankshepa – Restriction of certain kinds or number of foods.
4. Rasa parityaga – Daily renunciation of one or more of six kinds of Rasas delicacies: ghee (butter, clarified butter), milk, curd, sugar, salt, oil. Abstention from tasty and stimulating food.
5. Vivikta shayyasana – Sleeping in a lonely place, practicing solitude and introspection.
6. Kaya-klesha.- Bodily endurance, practicing body austerities to get over attachment to bodily comfort.

At some places, alternatives to this list include, Ichhanirodha, control of desire for food and material things.

Antaraga tapas

Antaranga tapa or internal austerities are as follows:

1. Prayaschita-Atonement/penance for sinful acts.
2. Vinaya- Practice politeness and humility.
3. Vaiyavritya- Service to others, especially monks, nuns, elders and the weaker souls, without any expectations in return.
4. Swadhyaya- Self-study, scriptural study, questioning and expanding spiritual knowledge.
5. Vyutsarga- Abandonment of passions – especially anger, ego, deceit and greed, distinction between body and soul.
6. Dhyana- Meditation and contemplation.

All the first five internal austerities and all six external austerities are preparatory steps for the practice of dhyana, which is the primary cause of moksha.

…..To be continued in Part 4

Karma in Jainism

Feature Image Credit: wikipedia.org

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article belong to the author. Indic Today is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in the article.