Page 108 - Courage Redifined

to stay away from violence. Without this oath, you are still
in Avirati* (non-restraint) which itself is a great sin.

Also not considering sinful activities to be sinful, things to
be forsaken worth forsaking, true religion to be the religion,
Almighty vitaraga Gods to be the real God, sadhus walking on
the path of renounciation to be the real Gurus is a characteristic
of Mithyabhava. Such a wrong belief i.e. Mithyabhava is also
a major cause of binding the soul with karmas.

Can one bind karmas in his sleep ?

Now you will be able to understand that in spite of complete
absence of sinful thoughts, actions or words in sleep, karmas
get accumulated because there is Mithyabhava and Avirati. This
binding of karmas continues even in sleep as well as when
one is awake. If we do not overcome this Mithyabhava by
way of samyaktva and positive feelings, then the Mithyabhava
is bound to continue in sleep also.

Similarly, you have not taken a pledge to not engage in sins
like violence, theft, etc. which means that Avirati still prevails
and continues in sleep too. It isn’t surprising then if it becomes
a cause of binding sins.

Also, though you do not get angry or greedy while sleeping
but if you have not suppressed your anger or greed while being
awake, then they are sure to prevail in your subconscious
mind while sleeping too. Hence, in case of a bad dream these
kashayas get instigated.
During such incidents there is not even a single thought of
sins but still binding of karmas is going on. Jain religion
reaches such great depths.

* Avirati – non-restraint of sinful activities and thoughts
98 Courage Redefined