Jainism For All

  Samvara , the 7 th Navatattva (Arrest of the Influx of Karma) The seventh cardinal principle is Samvara . The methods by which the asrava or influx of karma is arrested are called samvara. In this way, samvara is opposite to asrava . Stoppage of the influx of karma is the first significant step in the process of liberation.   The other three steps which deals with karma are asrava (influx), bandha (bondage) and nirjara (release of karma). Samvara can be understood by comparing it with a boat in the sea of samsara or material world. If the boat has a hole in it, water will enter through the hole, fill the boat and the boat will sink. It is necessary to close the hole which stops the water from flowing inside the boat. Samvara is like closing the hole through which karma is entering the soul. There are five types of samvara. 1. Samyakatva Samvara (Right faith) – Right faith consists of a firm conviction in the truth. Tranquility, desire for salvation, detachmen...

Paap or Sin, the 6 th Navatattva The sixth cardinal principle is Paap or sin, which is the opposite of Punya or virtue. Sin is brought about by the evil actions and reactions of the mind, speech and body of the jiva. Paap or sin is generated out of evil or unhappy incidences which disturb the emotions resulting in change in the attitude. If we become the cause of others suffering and unhappiness, then we are the culprit of committing a sin. The consequence of paap or sin acquire bad karma to the soul and are the main causes of asrava and bandha . Jain literature has classified paap or sin into the following eighteen categories. They are: 1) Pranatipata – to hurt or kill any living being or creating violence. Jiva himsa is the most heinous crime. The foundation principle of Jain religion is to abstain from killing. There is distinction between crime in thoughts ( Bhava himsa ) and actual crime ( Dravya himsa ). 2) Mrisha-vada – to speak lie, untruthfulness, asatya is a very ...