Self, Sin and Karma in the Sūtrakṛtāṅga

Summary

This article introduces the Sūtrakṛtāṅga, an early canonical text in the Jain tradition. The work is believed to have been preached by Lord Mahāvīra and compiled by the Gaṇadharas. It teaches novices the philosophical doctrines of Jainism and explains concepts such as jīva (living beings), ajīva (non‑living entities), merit, demerit, Āsrava, Nirjarā and the bondage of karmic particles. According to the author, the Sūtrakṛtāṅga emphasises ahiṃsā (non‑violence) as the quintessence of wisdom and warns monks about falling into the snares of heretical views. The article divides the text into two parts—the sixteen Adhyayanas of the first Śrutaskanda written largely in verse and the second part, largely in prose. The second half of the article looks at the Jain doctrine of self. It explains that attaining human birth is difficult because only in a human state can one hear the Dharma and practise the Law. Merit (puṇya) is defined as the calm, undisturbed state of the self, whereas demerit (pāpa) arises when the soul is disturbed. Citing commentaries, the author notes that novices are cautioned not to stray from the path taught by the Tīrthaṅkaras lest they fall prey to heretics. Ethical perfection and liberation are achieved through the cessation of karma. The paper also discusses various forms of sin—arising from pride, deceit, greed or negligence—and emphasises that these vices can only be overcome by practising ahiṃsā in thought, word and deed. The study concludes that coordination between mind and body, coupled with pure and loving speech, allows the practitioner to cultivate non‑violence and universal love. Such discipline purifies the soul and ultimately frees it from saṃsāra.