Scientific Foundations Of Jainism

SR No.: 022772
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K V Mardia
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt Ltd
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 146
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

Page 75

7
THE PATH TO SELF-CONQUEST (AXIOM 4C)
Axiom 4C: "Austerity forms the karmic shield against new karmons as well as setting off the decaying process in the old karmic matter."
7.1 THE AXIOM
FROM AXIOMS 4A and 4B we know how karmons flow in. However, from previous chapters it is clear that the general aim is two-fold, (1) to stop the inflow of new karmons through the karmic shield and (2) to completely emit the old karmic matter. If these objectives can be achieved then one will be left with pure soul with its full power, namely, its infinite energy, absolute bliss, and perfect knowledge and perception as described in Chapter 2.
It is expected that the full power of the soul can only be achieved by removing the effects of the karmic matter revealed in practical terms by the volitional activities of body, mind and speech. As we have seen, these are the external functions which continuously act and react in the karmic field as reactions in a nuclear reactor. Further, there is a sort of personal karmic computer attached which keeps on up-to-date record and manages instructions in real time. The question arises as to how one can remove karmic matter as well as stop further karmic fusion. Rationally, one's slavery to the dictates of one's lower nature should be part of karmic matter since it checks the soul from having its full power. Hence, it is only some form of austerity or restraint that can check the inflow of karmons, i.e. austerity is the only way by which one is able to escape from constraints of one's physical nature and psyche which are under the continuous influence of the karmic field (see, Fig. 7.1). Also, this Axiom advocates austerity as a way of eliminating the five karmic agents of Axiom 4A, viz, perverted views, nonrestraint, carelessness, passions and activities. The process of the gradual elimination of these karmic agents can be presented in "fourteen purification stages" which we describe below.
Austerities should be understood in a wider context. They imply the control of the senses with extreme alertness while keeping positive non-violence in the forefront. That is, "Exert yourself