340 Pratikraman
[ 19 ] The Problem of Compulsive Lying
Karma : Cause and Effect
Do you now bind any new karma during the course of the day ? What karma have you bound so far ? You will have to suffer whatever karmas you have bound . It is your own responsibility . God is not responsible for any of them at all .
Questioner : Are we binding karma when we tell lies ? ( 323 )
Dadashri : Of course ! But more than telling a lie , it is the intent ( bhaav ) to tell a lie that binds more karma . Telling lies is the effect of past life karma . The actual charging of karma occurs because of one ’ s internal intent and determination to tell lies . Will this knowledge help you ?
Questioner : One should stop telling lies .
Dadashri : No . You should let go of the very opinion ( abhipraay ) that it is acceptable to lie . If you lie , you must repent for it by saying , ‘ What should I do ? I must not tell such lies .’ You will not be able to stop lying but your opinion will change to , ‘ I am not going to lie from today onwards . Lying is a very big karmic offence ( sin ). Lying causes great pain and it creates karma bondage .’ Once you form such an opinion , then your demerit karma of lying will cease . However , the effect of the prior wrong opinions , which were not corrected , will continue as the act of lying . That much account is left to come . That much lying will be mandatory for you and when it