Doctrine of Karma in Jainism

Summary

In this article Yajneshwar S. Shastri expounds the Jain doctrine of karma, emphasising its centrality to Jain metaphysics and ethics. Unlike some Indian schools that conceive karma as a moral law or divine will, Jainism understands karma as a form of subtle material substance composed of infinitesimal particles. These particles attach to the soul (jīva) when it acts through body, speech or mind, influenced by passions such as anger, pride, deceit and greed. Shastri explains the four key processes—bondage (bandha), influx (āsrava), stoppage (saṃvara) and shedding (nirjarā)—that govern karmic accumulation and dissipation. Liberation (mokṣa) is achieved when the soul has shed all karmic matter and ascends to the top of the universe. The author describes the classification of karma into eight primary categories, including knowledge‑obscuring, perception‑obscuring, deluding, and age‑determining karmas, each with various subtypes. He elucidates how karmic particles enter the soul through activities (yoga) and how their intensity and duration are determined by the agent’s intent and emotional state. Shastri draws on canonical texts such as the Tattvārtha‑sūtra and later commentaries to support his exposition. He contrasts the Jain view of karma with the deterministic doctrine in Buddhism and the theistic interpretations in Hinduism, highlighting Jainism’s insistence on personal responsibility and the capacity for self‑effort (puruṣārtha). The article also touches on the ethical implications of karma, noting that right faith, right knowledge and right conduct—the Three Jewels—are necessary to arrest karmic influx and initiate its destruction. Shastri further discusses the practical disciplines prescribed for laypeople and monks: observance of vows, meditation, austerities and confession. He emphasises the importance of intentions; even a small act performed with malice can attract heavy karma, whereas a significant act done without attachment may have minimal karmic consequences. The doctrine thus encourages mindfulness and ethical vigilance in every aspect of life. The author concludes by affirming that understanding karma is essential for spiritual progress and that Jain philosophy offers a coherent framework linking cosmology, psychology and ethics.