Karma Theory & its Practical Application

 

Q34. Can you explain the fundamentals of Karma theory in Jainism? And how can we make it more practical and relevant in our daily life?

The concept of Karma is central to many Eastern religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. While they all fundamentally believe in cause and effect, spiritual growth and liberation, there are some philosophical differences in the interpretation and role of karma.

In this article, we will focus on fundamental concepts and the practical application of Karma theory as explained in Jainism.

Basics Tenets of Karma Theory in Jainism

In Jainism, understanding the Karma theory is of profound importance, as it influences not only our spiritual growth but also our practical life choices on a daily basis.

Karma theory in Jainism goes into great depth, it talks about various types of karma, accumulation and bondage karma, along with its impact and prevention. The detailed commentary and understanding of karma theory are useful but it is also equally important that we don’t lose sight of the spiritual essence and practical application from karma theory.

In this article, we start with the basics as defined in the nine principles called nine Tatvas and share experiential insights for practical application. We will start with - what is soul, what is karma, relationship between soul and karma, karmic cycle and what are the primary reasons for karma bondage.

Soul

In Jainism, the Soul or Jiv, is a central and fundamental concept. It is regarded as having no beginning and no end, it is eternal, indestructible and immortal. It is distinct from the physical body and mind, and it exists in every living being. Soul is considered to be a living entity with sentient consciousness, that goes through countless life cycles, transmigrating from one body to another, until it attains Liberation (Moksh).

Our Soul is the energy that allows our existence in this worldly dimension.  It has inherent natural qualities such as peace, happiness, purity, compassion, strength, infinite knowledge, infinite perception and infinite bliss.

Karma

Karma are subtle, invisible particles that exist everywhere in the universe and get attached to our Soul based on our intentions, thoughts, words and bodily actions. We accumulate Karma based on our choices. Jainism categorizes karma into various types based on its effect on the soul.

Relationship between Soul and Karma

As the karma particles bind to the soul, they influence the attributes of our Soul and generate corresponding consequences (circumstances, experiences) in our lives. The inherent natural qualities of our Soul get obstructed by the Karma particles attached to it.

Although our Soul is influenced by Karma, the Soul itself is considered to have free will and has the ability to make choices in the present moment. These choices impact the accumulation of Karmic particles and future consequences.

We don’t know what karma we have from the past, so the best thing we can do is live in the awareness of the soul’s inherent qualities like peace, compassion, happiness, and strength. Our spiritual journey is to experience and achieve the inherent nature of our Soul.

Karmic Cycle

It is important to understand the Karmic cycle so that we can be more mindful with our choices. There are four primary words that we need to know related to Karmic cycle:

·       Asrava: Inflow/bonding of Karma

·       Bandha: Characteristics of Karma

·       Samvar: Stopping of acquiring new Karma

·       Nirjara: Shedding/Removing of already acquired Karma

Once we have the awareness and understanding of Asrava, Bandha, Samvar and Nirjara, we can be more mindful with our thoughts and actions in every moment.

Two main reasons for bondage of new karma to Soul are Mithyatva (ignorance/wrong belief) and Kashaya (anger, ego, greed, deceit, like, dislike).

Under Mithyatva and Kashaya, we can visualize ourselves as becoming stronger magnetic fields for karmic particles.

Practical Application of Karma Theory

Karma theory is meant to be applied in our everyday life situations. Some key takeaway that help us keep core spiritual aspects in the forefront as we make life choices are below:

·       Actions have Consequences: Every intention, thought, word, action carries consequences. If we are mindful and aware in the moment then we can notice the immediate consequences of our thoughts/words/actions within us in that moment. However, most of us in our busy lives are forgetful and not fully present to even our own experiences.

And Karma theory reminds us that even if we are not mindful to notice in the moment, the consequences of our thoughts, words and actions will be experienced in the future, there is no escape. This encourages us to act with mindfulness and responsibility, as these actions shape our present and future circumstances.

·       No Blame: As our human experiences unfold, we often turn to karma theory when we are looking for answers. During the stage when the questions are arising and we are looking for answers, an element of blame is undoubtedly bound to surface. Blame can take the form of blaming others, blaming external forces or blaming self.

In our spiritual journey, until we reach the stage of complete acceptance and no questions arising within us, the deeper understanding of karma theory and Jain values urge us to simultaneously practice no blame. This is so we can break free from the karmic cycle.

The intent is to elevate our mind to not blame anyone, anything or any external forces for our life’s circumstances. Situations are our own karma coming to fruition and we should take responsibility for our actions rather than cultivating any thoughts of blame.

Blaming others or external circumstances for one’s suffering can create negative Karma and blame is often rooted in anger, ego, or ignorance. Blaming others increases negative feelings like resentment, creating more suffering within ourselves and the other person being blamed. By refraining from blaming and focusing on the Soul’s inherent qualities, we break the negative Karmic cycle, fostering peace and spiritual growth.

Along with not blaming others, it is equally that we take personal responsibility without dwelling in self-blame and negative self-thoughts. Whether we are thinking or saying negative thoughts for others or ourselves, it is still increasing negativity within us and not allowing us to break out of the karmic cycle. The importance is no self-awareness, inner transformation and spiritual growth.

·       Power to Choose: Karma influences the conditions of our life such as where we are born, physical health, social conditions, but it does not remove our free will. We still have the ability to choose how we act within those circumstances.

With our right belief/knowledge, we can use our free will to make choices in the present that are aligned with our Jain values/principles. Practicing self-discipline, mindfulness, and meditation can help avoid harmful thoughts, words, and actions, help us shed Karma, and prevent the accumulation of new Karma. The most important thing is realizing that we have a choice to decide our response in any unfavorable situations.

 

How can Karma theory help me when I’m going through difficulties / suffering?

Life is not what happens to us, but our response to what happens to us

As our life unfolds, there are a series of situations or events. Or in other words, Karma is continuously coming into action and we experience the effect of our own Karma, which can be pleasant or unpleasant. In any undesirable life situation, our spiritual practice becomes pivotal, so that we can be more mindful with our response, instead of reacting out of our habitual patterns.

The sacred pause creates the space for us to reflect and respond

In any undesirable and unfavorable situations, we may feel activated or stuck. If we can stop or pause, and not react, then that can already make a big difference. When we notice the activation within us, we can recite 3 Namaskar Sutra or focus our mind on our breath, to reinforce the pause and calm our mind and body. There are various mindfulness meditation practices that can also help us cultivate the ability to pause and observe our thoughts and emotions in the moment.

Identify the emotion, name it, and take care of it with compassion

In difficult situations, we are going to experience difficult emotions. We may experience an array of emotions such as anger, sorrow, despair, defeat, guilt, hate, fear. The idea is not to suppress or spiritual by-pass our emotions but instead navigate them skillfully.

There is some neuroscience research that suggests that the lifespan of an emotion is only about 90 seconds. In response to difficult situations, chemicals are released from the brain typically that only lasts for that duration. After which the emotional state continues to build because of the thoughts/stories we feed it.

Cognitively reframe our thoughts/internal stories

We often get stuck in our own thoughts and we are often looking for explanations. Our mind needs answers/conclusions to help it quiet down. The question that we most often ask ourselves is “Why” – why me, why now, why this, why did it happen, who did it, why did they do it, how etc.

Whatever Happens is Right Based on the Law of Karma

Karma theory provides an answer that this situation is the result of my own thoughts, words and actions. It helps us in accepting the present situation with understanding. It gives a conclusive answer to our thinking mind and that helps in silencing the mind.

We can use unfavorable situations for our spiritual growth

If we can silence our mind, accept situations with understanding, and cultivate a compassionate mindset, then we can truly position ourselves to mindfully choose our response in the present moment and positively shape our future.

We can ask ourselves – What can I learn from this suffering? What can I let go? We can free ourselves from habitual ways of thinking and ways of behaving. Difficulties and challenges in our lives can lead to inner transformation.

What should my response be when others are going through difficulties / suffering?

This is a significant blind spot for many of us who understand the theory of karma but overlook the holistic spiritual aspects of Jainism.

“Karma theory as a motivation to change applies to self. For everyone else it is only Compassion.” – Pravin Shah, Jaina Education Committee Chair

When it comes to others, our focus should always be only one thought - How can I be of service to this person?

If someone else is going through a difficult situation and if we think or say to that person that it is because of your past bad Karma then it is the most cruel thing we can do at that time. Thinking or saying something like this demonstrates our limited spiritual knowledge related to Karma theory and Jain values.

The law of Karma applies to self – it is meant to serve as a guide for self-realization and inner transformation.

When it comes to others, we should not use Karma as a justification for dismissing or judging the suffering of others. To tell someone that their pain is a result of their past Karma is not only unhelpful but also counter to Jain values like Ahimsa, Anekantvad, Karuna. Though their past actions may have led to the consequences currently being experienced, at that time, they were acting in the way that they believed was correct, just as any of us are doing at any time.

When others are suffering or when we are suffering, then all they need or we need is kindness, compassion and desire to serve, rather than any form of blame.

In Summary

The Karma theory in Jainism offers profound insights into the consequences of our intentions, thoughts, words and actions. While Karma is continuously coming into action, we have the power to choose our response in any situation. Our choices create our destiny. Our spiritual journey is to work on transforming two primary reasons for bondage of new Karma - Mithyatva (ignorance/wrong belief) and Kashaya (anger, ego, greed, deceit, like, dislike). And in any undesirable situations for us or others, acceptance, compassion and heart of service are of utmost importance.

Real-Life Application of Contemplation

Q33. How can we apply Jain values & contemplation in real-life scenarios and avoid reacting in a way that leads to suffering in self and others?

The first article in the series of making Jainism more accessible focused on Mindset. We explored how being clear on our purpose for practicing Jainism can provide direction and become the driving force of our choices. We reflected that gaining knowledge is not enough, we must also be diligent and mindful in our practices. In the second article, we delved into the importance of meditation practices and mindfulness as tools that help us live with more awareness.

In this article, we will take up a few practical examples of how to be aware of our feelings and direct them so that we relate better to the world around us and, as importantly, within us. The feelings that come from knowledge of our true self are known as Bhavnas or Reflections in Jainism.  Contemplating these Jain Bhavnas can provide a practical framework for integrating Jain values into daily life.

These reflections on Bhavnas and Core Values, encourage mindfulness and moral living, fostering inner transformation, peace, harmony, and spiritual growth. By contemplating the impermanent nature of the world, the inevitability of suffering, the solitude of the soul, and the importance of spiritual discipline, individuals can cultivate detachment, self-reliance, and a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it.

Real-Life Application of Bhavnas & Virtues

To make these reflections accessible in day-to-day life, let’s consider some common challenges and how the Bhavnas can guide us. It is imperative to ensure that the Bhavnas are aligned with Jain values and should not be used to justify violence, greed, gluttony, deceit, laziness, and other such vices.

 

Stress and Anxiety to -> Acceptance and Finding Balance in Chaos

Challenge: Imagine you are experiencing financial difficulties, feeling a heavy weight of worry about bills and future stability. This anxiety affects your sleep and overall well-being, making you feel trapped and hopeless.

Practice: In this situation, take a moment to engage in Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation on Impermanence). Reflect on the idea that all material conditions, including financial struggles, are temporary and subject to change. Just as seasons shift, so too will your circumstances. Spend time meditating on the impermanence of wealth and possessions, recognizing that true peace comes from within and not from external sources. This awareness can help you cultivate detachment and acceptance, alleviating your anxiety and allowing you to face challenges with a more balanced mind. Embrace the belief that this phase will pass, and focus on nurturing your inner self.

Bhavna: Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation on Impermanence)

 

Dependence on Others to -> Cultivating Self-Reliance and Strength in Solitude

Challenge: You find yourself feeling anxious and upset when a family member does not provide the emotional support you expected during a difficult time, leaving you feeling unworthy or alone, and intensifying your sense of isolation.

Practice: In this situation, take a moment to reflect on Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation on Solitude of the Soul). Embrace the understanding that true strength comes from within and that your well-being does not solely depend on the support of others. Consider that solitude can be a powerful space for growth and self-discovery. For instance, when you feel let down, use that time to engage in activities that nourish your soul, such as meditation, journaling, or pursuing a hobby. This practice fosters inner peace and a deeper connection with yourself, reinforcing the idea that you can find joy and strength independently.

Bhavna: Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation on Solitude of the Soul)

 

Coping with Loss to -> Finding Peace and Growth in Grief

Challenge: Experiencing the profound grief of losing a loved one can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. The pain and sorrow can feel overwhelming, making it hard to find solace or meaning in everyday activities.

Practice: In times of loss, reflect on the natural cycle of life and death, acknowledging that suffering and separation are inherent parts of existence. This contemplation can help you accept the reality of your grief, allowing you to process your emotions more healthily. For example, after the passing of a family member, meditating on the inevitable nature of life’s transitions can provide solace and help you find peace amidst the sorrow. Understanding that death is a part of life’s journey can gradually transform your grief into a deeper appreciation for the time you shared and the memories you created.

Bhavna: Asharana Bhavna (Contemplation on the Insecurity and Helplessness of the Soul)

 

Material Success to -> Rediscovering Purpose beyond Material Wealth

Challenge: You go through a blue patch and start getting disproportionate success in your work. You reach a position where material wealth is chasing you and start chasing it back. Your entire attention and focus shifts to making and managing your wealth, and you start neglecting things and people that bring happiness and satisfaction to you.

Practice: It is more common to search for refuge in religion and spirituality when situations are difficult. However, handling success with a sense of dispassion and awareness is as significant. It is important to be recognized whenever you find yourself overly attached to material possessions, leading to greed, dissatisfaction, and a constant craving for more. This attachment might manifest in an insatiable desire for the latest gadgets, luxury items, or status symbols, which ultimately brings more stress and less fulfillment. When you notice an excessive attachment to material things, reflect on the transience and separateness of these objects from your true self and the eternal. This reflection can guide you towards more mindful and meaningful living. By focusing on the impermanence of material possessions, you can shift your attention to what truly matters, such as relationships, personal growth, and spiritual fulfillment.

Bhavna: Anyatva Bhavna (Contemplation on the Separateness of the True Self with Objects)

 

Dealing with Difficult co-workers to -> Building Bridges through Kindness

Challenge: You encounter a coworker who is difficult to get along with, creating a tense and uncomfortable work environment.

Practice: In such a situation, practice Maitri Bhavna by cultivating an attitude of friendliness and goodwill towards this person. Instead of reacting with frustration or avoidance, try to understand their perspective and find common ground. For instance, you might make an effort to engage in small talk, show genuine interest in their opinions, or offer help when needed. Additionally, consider sending silent good wishes to them—wishing for their happiness, peace, and success. This practice can help shift your mindset from resentment to compassion, fostering a sense of connection even amidst conflict. By approaching the relationship with kindness and openness, you can transform a potentially negative interaction into a positive and constructive one, thereby improving the overall work environment.

Bhavna: Maitri Bhavna (Contemplation on Friendliness)

Transforming Pity into Purpose -> Extending Help with Heart

Challenge: You come across a homeless person on the street, feeling a mix of pity and helplessness about their situation.

Practice: Reflect on Karuna Bhavna by cultivating compassion and empathy. Instead of merely feeling sorry, take a moment to consider how you can actively help. This might involve giving food, donating to a shelter, or simply offering a kind word and a smile. Practicing compassion not only aids those in need but also enriches your sense of purpose and connection to humanity. For example, volunteering at a local soup kitchen can provide practical assistance to those in need and offer you a profound sense of fulfillment and community.

Bhavna: Karuna Bhavna (Contemplation on Compassion)

 

Countering Deceit to -> Releasing Resentment and Embracing Forgiveness

Challenge: A close friend or family member has deceived you, leading to feelings of anger, betrayal, and resentment.

Practice: In such a scenario, practice Kshama by focusing on forgiveness. Understand that holding onto anger only harms you and impedes your peace of mind. Reflect on the situation from a place of empathy, considering the other person's perspective and the possibility that their actions might have been unintentional or influenced by circumstances. By forgiving them, you release yourself from the burden of negative emotions and pave the way for reconciliation and healing. For instance, having an open conversation to express your feelings and understand their side can facilitate forgiveness and restore harmony in your relationship.

Jain Virtue: Kshama (Forgiveness)

 

Conclusion

Incorporating the Bhavna and Jain meditation practices into daily life provides a practical path to achieving inner transformation, peace, and spiritual growth. By reflecting on these principles and engaging in regular meditation, individuals can navigate life's challenges with equanimity and contribute to a harmonious and compassionate world. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a supportive and positive environment for those around us. Through mindful practice, we can truly embody the essence of Jain values in our everyday lives. Some of these benefits that you may observe are:

Inner Transformation: Regular reflection and meditation cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Peace and Harmony: Mindfulness practices reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and enhance interpersonal relationships.

Spiritual Growth: Consistent engagement with Jain principles fosters a sense of purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and enlightened life.

Positive Influence on Others: Practitioners often inspire those around them to adopt similar values, creating a ripple effect of peace and ethical living.

As we conclude this article, we want to hear from our readers, YOU!

We encourage you to reflect on your own experiences. Have there been moments in your life where you consciously applied Jain values or the Bhavna to overcome a challenge? How did it shape the outcome for you and those around you? Alternatively, if you're currently facing a difficult situation and are unsure how to incorporate Jain principles into it, feel free to share your thoughts. Together, we can explore ways to approach these challenges mindfully, fostering peace, harmony, and spiritual growth in everyday life. Please share your experiences and/or your questions in the comments below.

 

Making Jain Values Accessible - Right Foundation with Meditation

Q32. What role do meditation and mindfulness practices play in making Jain values/principles more accessible, practical and meaningful in the context of our current world?

The first article in the series of making Jainism more accessible focused on Mindset. We explored how being clear on our purpose for practicing Jainism can provide direction and become the driving force for our choices. We also investigated the importance of being open, curious and using our own logic, reasoning and learning from our own experiences and not follow blindly by faith alone. When we build trust in knowledge through our own experience then we develop unwavering confidence and gain valuable insights to transform our life. And finally, we reflected that gaining knowledge is not enough, we must also be diligent and mindful in our practices. 

To continue this journey, in this article we will focus on the importance of meditation practices and how living mindfully is so fundamental and foundational in our spiritual journey. We will share some simple ideas to start or continue our practices. These practices enables us to live with more awareness, so we can more consistently embody and integrate Jain values and principles in our everyday life.

Jainism and Meditation

Meditation has been a core spiritual practice in Jainism since the time of Lord Rishabha. All the twenty-four Tirthankaras practiced meditation for deeper introspection and to gain insights.

When we look at Lord Mahavir’s life, we can categorize his life into three major phases. He lived as a householder for 30 years. As a householder, we know that he lived his life aligned with core Jain values such as non-violence, compassion, service, gratitude, honesty.

Then he renounced his worldly life and meditated for 12.5 years. He realized kevalgyan at the age of 42.  For practical purposes, it appears that what Mahavir Swami attained after 12.5 years of meditation was the ability to be fully present in the current moment and attain the state where no negative mental afflictions such as anger, ego, greed, jealousy, attachment, aversion, craving arose within him. His thoughts, words and actions were always in alignment with the soul's natural qualities such as peace, compassion, joy, love, and equanimity, no matter what the external situations or stimulants were. 

After that, he formed a fourfold sangha with monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen to build a community. The remaining 30 years of Lord Mahavir’s life were in service to humanity. He shared the insights he gained not only with his community but also traveled across India delivering sermons. His direct teachings are documented in our sacred scriptures.

His teachings are essential for us. They are focused on Jain philosophy, meditation practices, values/principles, ethics, conduct, and rituals to live a simple spiritual life. It is unfortunate that overtime the meditation practices didn’t remain as prevalent as outward facing rites and rituals. Without meditation practices, we can’t truly build the capacity within to understand, integrate, and deeply experience Mahavir’s insights and consistently live in alignment with Jain values and principles. 

One can see from Mahavir Swami’s journey that those 12.5 years were the most transformative years of his life.

Meditation Practices

Like Mahavir Swami, we have to go through our own transformative journey through our meditation practices to generate the energy of mindfulness. The energy of mindfulness enables us to be more aware and look deeply. Like other skills, meditation is a skill that we can learn, practice and grow. 

Interest in meditation and mindfulness has grown significantly worldwide. This increased interest might reflect our need for improving quality of life through spirituality in our current times.

In this article, we’d like to share some simple practices to start or continue our meditation journey to live more mindfully. For more thorough information on meditation, yoga and various meditation practices in Jainism, please refer to our detailed article on meditation.

We can think of meditation as essentially a set of practices to help us:

• Become more aware
• Know ourselves
• Clear our mind of mental affliction (kashayas)
• Silence the mind
• Cultivate Stillness
• Experience inner happiness

This might sound like a lot, but it starts with training our attention and generating the energy that allows us to be more aware of what’s going on in the here and now. Be more aware of:

• What's going on in our body
• What's going on in our feelings
• What's going on in our mind with our thoughts and perceptions
• What's going on around us

The practice can be in the form of concentrating on a sound, particular object or our breath and trying to keep our attention on that anchor, recognizing if the attention shifts then bringing it back to that anchor to build the attention muscle. Keeping our attention where we want requires training and practice.

A study by the National Science Foundation suggests that we humans have 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. With these many thoughts, our mind could feel like a shaken snow globe with dust particles floating around. And only when we rest the snow globe, the dust settles, it gradually becomes calm and clear, and we can see what’s inside better. 

Similarly, by collecting our attention and letting it rest on an anchor, we can experience calmness and stability in the mind which enables us to see more clearly within, gain insights and inevitably experience a natural sense of happiness.

We can also practice building the capacity to notice and become more aware of what’s going on in our body, especially when navigating painful feelings to recognize them and care for them with compassion.

To strengthen the Jain values within us and build our capacity to use them in everyday life situations, we can practice in the form of contemplation of our soul’s natural qualities and visualize that our thoughts, words and behavior are in alignment with them. We can also meditate on 12 Bhavanas as outlined in the meditation article. These contemplation are so powerful and help us in forming and shifting to more supportive perspectives. They empowers us to let go of things that obstruct our peace, happiness, joy, freedom.  

Meditation is a cornerstone of Jain practice. The Jain rituals article provides information on key daily essential meditative practices including Samayik, Chauvisattho, Vandana, Pratikraman, Kayotsarga and Pratyakhyana.

In Summary

While we can set aside time each day for dedicated practice, it is also important that we identify ways to integrate small mindfulness practices as we move through our daily routine so we can touch peace and stillness throughout our day. We live in a world where we are always over-stimulated and each one of us has to determine what stillness and peace would look like for us in the day. We benefit from making time for little points of stillness throughout our day.

These practices may sound simple, but they are so profound in establishing the right foundation. They give us the path to take spiritual knowledge beyond intellectual exercise and bring knowledge into our experience and way of being, making it our wisdom. Wisdom positions us to respond mindfully in alignment with our values. 

We also need to be mindful that we are not meditating to attain something, though we might see benefits or fruits in our life as we practice. We may achieve fruits such as the ability to create happiness, handle and calm our difficult emotions, enjoy the present moment, and be in touch with life as it is. However, there is more as mentioned in a previous article, meditation practices lead to numerous benefits in all aspects of our life, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. 

At the core, these practices provide us with much needed mindful pauses. Too often, when we face undesirable external situations or stimulants, we react/respond without pausing. 

It was Victor Frankl who said – “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

If we are more aware, then we are able to find the space between stimulus and response. With practice we can increase that space to respond more mindfully in our everyday life situations and not feel compelled to react based on our emotions that lead to suffering in self and others. In the next article we will focus on some real-life situations where being aware can guide us in navigating challenging life situations more skillfully.