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Karma is the fruit of one's desire-ridden actions. When actions are performed selfishly and egotistically, one becomes responsible for the consequences of one's actions. The Bhagavad Gita suggests that karma arises not only from the actions we perform but also from our desire for the fruit of such actions. Thus, intention plays an important role. Belief in karma is common to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
However, Jainism differs from the other two with regard to the nature and working of the principle of karma. Karma is more a process of self-correction rather than selfpunishment. Its purpose is to bring perfection in the doer of actions through a gradual inner transformation. It is nature's way of keeping each being on the path to liberation. However, Nature intends to accomplish the process in its own time frame, since its primary purpose is not to facilitate liberation but delay it until the end of the time cycle.
Unlike in Hinduism and Buddhism, in Jainism karma is not a mere effect of a particular action but a real substance, a kind of subtle matter or flowing mass of energy that readily enters a living body with each activity of the latter and envelops it in dark gloom. Karma binds the soul to matter and makes its liberation an increasingly difficult task. The process of the inflow of karma is called asarva. Jainism's belief in karma is closely associated with its belief in matter as real and universal. Just as the souls are real, the materiality that we perceive in the world is also real, neither an illusion nor a projection.
The Effects of Karma
The nature of karmic substance varies according to the actions performed. In case of pious actions, the substance is subtle and lighter, while it is gross and denser with regard to sinful actions. Over time, the karmic substance develops into a casual body or karma sarira, which envelops the jiva from all sides and prevents its liberation. Denser material makes the body grosser and the liberation more difficult. As long as the karmic substance exists in the body, a soul remains in bondage, its purity and brilliance overshadowed by its darkness and grossness.
The karmic matter affects the jiva in the following ways.
Liberation and Resolution of Karma
Liberation is possible only when the entry of the karmic material is blocked by individual efforts, which involve good conduct and non-injury to others. The process of inner purification takes place in progressive stages and demands a high degree of commitment at each stage.
The first two are achieved by right conduct and good actions. The other two are obtained through strict austerities and severe discipline.