Karma and Samsara in Jainism

The scriptures of Jainism include a large variety of physical, metaphysical, biological, and cosmological teachings, the knowledge of which may help achieve liberation from Samsara. The doctrine of reincarnation is one of such doctrines. The cycle of reincarnation, and its relation with the deeds of creatures, may be clarified by examining the concepts of Karma and Samsara. Every action can produce its own Karma; and this Karma affects the soul, determining its future existence. All creatures may be categorized into several levels based on the extent to which they have pure or impure souls. The categorization begins with simple creatures and ends with gods. Samsara is closely connected with these levels; and depending upon the sort of Karma one may have, he will be reborn into a higher or a lower level. The ultimate goal of Jainism is to liberate man from the eternal cycle of births and deaths. Reincarnation is a complicated phenomenon, which can be studied from different points of view. However, we are concerned to consider Karma and Samsara alone since they play key roles in reincarnation.