Beyond Samsara: From the Sacred Jainism Scripture – Uttaradhyayana, Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with readings about the way of life followed by Jain monks, which adheres to the fundamental principles of Jainism, including non-violence, truthfulness, not-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness. Additionally, the Uttaradhyayana, a sacred Jainism scripture, details the eight kinds of Karman that bind the soul to the Circle of Births.

THIRTY-FIRST LECTURE. MODE OF LIFE

“I shall declare the mode of life that benefits the soul; by practicing it many souls have crossed the ocean of Samsâra. One should desist from one thing, and practice another: desist from neglect of self-control, and practice self-control.

Love and hatred are two evils which produce bad Karman; if a monk always avoids them, he will not stand within the circle of transmigration.

A monk who always avoids the thrice threefold hurtful, conceited, and delusive acts, will not stand in the circle of transmigration.

A monk who well bears calamities produced by gods, animals, or men, will not stand [in the circle of transmigration].

A monk who always avoids the four different kinds of praises, passions, expressions of the emotions, and of the four meditations the two sinful ones, will not stand [in the circle of transmigration].

A monk who always exerts himself with regard to the five vows, the five objects of sense, the five Samitis, and five actions, will not stand [in the circle of transmigration]. […]”

THIRTY-THIRD LECTURE. THE NATURE OF KARMAN.

“I shall now in due order explain the eight kinds of Karman, bound by which the soul turns round and round in the Circle of Births.

The eight kinds of Karman are briefly the following: Gñânâvaranîya, which acts as an obstruction to right knowledge; Darsanâvaranîya, which acts as an obstruction to right faith; Vêdanîya, which leads to experiencing pain or pleasure; Môhanîya, which leads to delusion; Âyuhkarman, which determines the length of life; Nâman, which determines the name or individuality of the embodied soul; Gôtra, which determines his Gôtra; Antarâya, which prevents one’s entrance on the path that leads to eternal bliss. […] Antarâya is fivefold as preventing: gifts, profit, momentary enjoyment, continuous enjoyment, and power. […]”