Q.4. Explain the concept of karma and its significance in Jainism.

In Jainism, karma is not merely a philosophical concept but a real substance that pervades the cosmos. It’s a fundamental principle that explains the moral consequences of a person’s actions. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Concept of Karma in Jainism:

• Material Substance: Karma is considered a physical substance that exists everywhere in the universe. It’s invisible and intangible, but it has real effects on the soul (jīva).
• Bondage to the Soul: Karma particles attach to the soul due to one’s actions, thoughts, or words. This attachment is what influences the soul’s experiences and its cycle of rebirth.
• Coloration of the Soul: Different types of karma can ‘color’ the soul, affecting its purity and its potential for liberation. These colors range from black, which indicates negative karma, to white, which indicates positive karma.
• Transmigration: The accumulation of karma dictates the soul’s journey through various states of existence, including human, animal, hellish, or heavenly forms.

Significance of Karma in Jainism:

• Moral Responsibility: Karma emphasizes the importance of moral actions and intentions. Jains believe that every action, whether good or bad, binds karma to the soul.
• Path to Liberation: The ultimate goal in Jainism is to achieve liberation (moksha) by purifying the soul of all karmic attachments. This is done through ethical living, ascetic practices, and adherence to Jain vows.
• Self-Regulation: The concept of karma in Jainism encourages self-regulation and personal responsibility. It eliminates reliance on divine intervention, focusing instead on individual efforts to achieve spiritual progress.
• Cycle of Suffering: Karma is the mechanism that perpetuates the cycle of suffering and rebirth. Liberation is possible only when a soul is free from all karmic bonds.

In essence, karma in Jainism is a system that quantifies the moral value of actions and directly links them to the soul’s journey and its potential for achieving liberation. It’s a profound concept that underscores the Jain ethical framework and the path to spiritual freedom.