Like all Indian religions, Jainism upholds
the universal law of Karma. According to this law, every action -
thought, word or deed - produces an effect, which in turn serves as the
cause of another action, and so on. This chain of cause and effect is
known as `Karmic Bondage� or simply, Karma. And because Jainism, as we
have seen, subscribes also to the doctrine of transmigration and rebirth,
it follows that the state of the soul at any given time is due to the
Karma accumulated over countless ages.
However, the Jain doctrine of Karma is
distinctive. Whereas Hindus view Karma purely as a law of nature, Jains
believe Karma to consist of fine and subtle particles of matter which
adhere to the soul, as clay to a pot. Yet, by effort, discipline and
knowledge, man can control Karma. Selfish, careless and cruel actions
lead to the accumulation of heavy Karma which weighs the soul down. But
the Karma accruing from good deeds is dissipated almost immediately and
has no serious effects. Moreover, suffering willingly under taken has the
effect of dispersing the Karma already accumulated, so helping to lighten
the soul.
To achieve salvation (Moksha) man must
therefore free his soul from matter. Thus freed, its natural lightness
will float it to the top of the universe to dwell there for ever in
all-knowing bliss. The souls of heroes like Mahavira virtually achieve
salvation in this life. It is only residual Karma which binds them to the
earth, but when that is exhausted through fasting and penance, they rise
immediately above the highest heavens of the gods to the eternal rest of
nirvana.
Jainism is not fatalistic, but it is
atheistic. There is no world-soul, no supreme being, no creator and
sustainer of the universe, no one beyond himself (except the Tirthankaras
as guides and examples) to aid man in his endeavors.
Similarly, for all the subtlety and
sophistication with which its doctrine of karma and rebirth has been
elaborated, Jainism is in practice profoundly pessimistic. The world is a
place of utter misery and sorrow, in no way compensated for by life�s few
moments of happiness.
