What is the basic tenet of karma in Jainism?

The correct answer highlights that in Jainism, karma is understood as a subtle substance that attaches to the soul, influencing its cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This concept is central to Jain beliefs, where karma is not merely a moral framework but an actual physical entity that interacts with the soul based on one's actions. When individuals perform good deeds, they accumulate a type of positive karma, while negative actions result in a type of negative karma. This accumulation of karma affects the soul’s purity and its journey towards liberation (moksha).

In Jain philosophy, the process of karma accumulation is crucial because it directly impacts the soul's spiritual progress. The goal of a Jain practitioner is to minimize the accumulation of karma through ethical living, ascetic practices, and devotion in order to achieve liberation.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the Jain understanding of karma:

• Karma is not viewed as merely a punishment or reward system after death, as option A suggests.
• While humans do make daily choices, option C oversimplifies the intricate relationship between karma and the soul's journey in Jainism.
• Lastly, stating that karma is considered a myth undermines its fundamental role within Jain teachings, as option D implies.