Daddy, we observe several changes taking place around us. For example, when a seed is sown in the ground, a plant grows. Such plants undergo various life processes such as respiration, regeneration etc. How do we explain these phenomena ?

We Jainas believes that all object in  the universe change according to their own intrinsic properties. Modern science confirms that the law of nature makes things happen.

Daddy how do events happen in our lives ? Is it also a law of nature ?

My children, all worldly beings have souls living in their bodies. When a worldly soul  takes up a new material body, a new life begins. A living being 

grows and other life processes take place because of the presence of the body. The pure souls do not have material attachment. Thus, they do not interfere in the events of the universe. The important eternal  qualities are hidden on account of its continuous association with karmas. These factors affect the lives of all worldly beings.

Daddy, it is very interesting. Please tell us what are karmas ? How does one obtain karmas ? How does karmas affect the course of our lives ?

In ordinary parlance, karma means action, deed or work. In Jainism, Karmas are of two types-Bhava karma and Dravya karma. Bhava karmas are our thoughts and feelings. Dravya karma are very fine particles of matter which continue to remain attached with the worldly souls. Dravya karmas constantly result from our Bhava karmas. Bhava karmas are manifestation of various emotional states such as love, anger, pride and greed.

Like water in milk, these fine particles or dravya karmas get completely assimilated with soul. This assimilation remains throughout the life as well as in migration of soul from one body to another. This assimilation or conditions in such a way as a pill of medicine which when introduced in to the body, produces manifold effects therein.

Further, the things around us such as our body, parents, friends, enemies, toys and other environmental events effect the course of our lives. In Jainism, these are called Nokarmas. These karmas and nokarmas determine the course of our lives.

Therefore, the law of karma is not the doctrine of fatalism. It is the moral la of causation which shows that soul is the maker of its fortunes or misfortunes. Every thing in our lives is a result of our own thoughts and feelings. Each one of us is responsible for his own life.

Daddy, we realise that we enjoy or suffer on account of our own good or bad deeds. Please tell us what is the role of god in our lives ?

We Jainas believe that there is no Supreme Being who regulates the events in this universe. There is no devine intervention in the lives of the worldly beings. We Jainas do believe that when a soul becomes free from all bondage of karmas, it becomes pure. Such pure souls are called God (Arihantas and Siddhas). Thus, God is a pure soul. They do not reward or punish us.

Son, we worship Arithantas and siddhas as ideals for following their virtues. We aslo get thoughts and feelings when we visit our temples for prayer and worship. Such prayer and worship lead us towards spiritual advancement.

Daddy, Please tell us what do we do in the adverse circumstances ?

Depending upon our good or bad thought, speech and action, we get good or bad karmas. Therefore, we should always have good thoughts, use good words and do good actions in all circumstances even when our karmas and nokarmas are npt favourable. If we continue to have good feelings and thoughts even in adverse conditions, we will get rid of undesireable karmas and obtain good karmas. We may even be able to get rid of our past undesirable karmas with the help of our pure thoughts.

My children, good thoughts and feelings good actions are the keys of success. This is the message of karma philosophy in Jainism.

Power of perceiving of process by which we become aware of changes.