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क्रियावाद : एक विश्लेषण

Vol. 53 · No. 10October - 2005pp. 21-24Hindi

Summary

The text explores the concept of Kriyavad (the doctrine of action) within Jain philosophy, asserting that every action (kriya) inevitably produces a reaction (pratikriya). This principle is presented as a fundamental law governing all behavior, where an action like giving a slap triggers a reaction such as anger or retaliation. The relationship between action and reaction is described as inseparable, though the time and form of the reaction may vary. The text explains that this cycle of action and reaction is the basis for karma and rebirth. It distinguishes between action (kriya) and karma, stating that karma is the reaction to an action and serves as the cause for future rebirths. The discussion extends to the nature of existence, where both conscious (jiva) and unconscious (ajiva) entities are in a state of constant change and activity. The text emphasizes that the Jain perspective on action is comprehensive, analyzing it through various frameworks like substance (dravya) and mode (bhava). It connects Kriyavad to the theory of karma and rebirth, arguing that actions, whether good or bad, lead to karmic bondage. The text also differentiates between two types of actions: those performed with attachment (saparayika), which lead to sin, and those performed without attachment (iryapathika), which lead to merit. However, it notes that both merit and sin are ultimately forms of bondage. The discussion incorporates modern psychology, comparing the unconscious mind to the concept of karmic residues, and highlights the role of subtle factors like adhyavasaya (determination) and leshya (karmic coloration) in shaping actions and personality.

Conclusion

The document establishes that action and reaction are an inseparable, universal principle governing all existence, from social interactions to the mechanics of karma and rebirth. This framework, termed *kriyavad*, is presented as a crucial yet underexplored concept that bridges Jain philosophy with modern psychology and science. The key implication is that every action, whether physical, verbal, or mental, generates a corresponding reaction that binds the soul, perpetuating the cycle of rebirth. The analysis of *leshya* and the subtle body provides a mechanism for how internal states manifest as external actions and shape personality. Ultimately, the text argues that understanding this causal chain is essential for spiritual liberation, as it reveals that both virtuous and sinful actions are forms of bondage. The path to freedom lies not in accumulating merit, but in purifying one's inner dispositions to transcend the cycle of action and reaction altogether.

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