The Jaina Doctrine of Karma And The Science Of Genetics: Karma and Gene

All the characteristics of every living organism are carried by its all the chromosomes in the form of genes. These chromosomes are packed in the cells, and body is formed by many cells put together. So in every cell similar type of genes exist, but at the same time it is necessary that some genes should remain inert and some active during a certain time. This process is very complex.^[25] It is believed that in developed complex creatures (jīvas) during a certain time only upto 2-15% genes remain active.^[26] How the various creatures (jīvas) function under whose control? This research work supposes that the creature's active or inactive state, the karma particles (karma) are the only causes for it.

Keeping genes active or inactive is done by harmones, vitamins, minerals, chemicals and immune system. ^[27] It is believed that the genes are controlled by environment around it, cell nutrition wrapped around genes, and the temperature of the light. ^[28] Thus genes are the deciding factors for the various characteristics of a living organism (jīva) and genes are controlled by some known or unknown causes and these causes are certainly the karmas of an individual.