Answer

In Jain Dharma, a person may be born blind due to the effect of previously bound karma, especially karmas connected with the body and senses. Jainism teaches that birth conditions are not created by a God’s punishment or random cruelty, but arise from one’s own karmic causes from past lives.

Explanation

According to Jain philosophy, every soul has existed through many births. In each life, thoughts, words, and actions bind karma to the soul. When certain karmas mature, they influence:

• Type of birth
• Body structure
• Health conditions
• Sense abilities, such as sight, hearing, speech, etc.
• Pain and pleasure experienced in life

Blindness from birth is understood as the result of past karmic bondage, particularly karmas affecting the formation and functioning of the body and sense organs.

However, Jain Dharma also teaches that we should never judge or look down upon a person because of disability. We do not know the exact karmic history of any soul.

Spiritual Understanding

The Jain view is meant to create awareness of responsibility, not blame. A blind person is still a pure soul at the deepest level, just like every living being. The body may have limitations, but the soul’s true nature is knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

For others, seeing suffering should awaken:

• Compassion
• Service
• Humility
• Non-violence in thought, speech, and action

Takeaway

In Jain Dharma, birth blindness is explained through the law of karma, but the correct response is not judgment. The correct response is compassion, respect, and spiritual awareness.