So in the karmic worldview, creatures that have no free agency are karmically neutral?
If so, how would the hypothetical soul that is born in the form of a caterpillar (or another lifeform with zero free agency) be able to ever gain karma?
Once its bad reactions( because of which he had to take a life form with so little consciousness ) are over it can get a new form with more intelligence.
Soul never takes a form, it is distinct from matter. Dull matter takes the form. It only 'directs' matter. After old body is destroyed it gets a new body.
2>. 'Frequently unanswered questions' https://www.amazon.in/Frequently-Unanswered-Questions-Chaita...
For a way too technical and scientific analysis of eastern philosophy check out 'Atma Paradigm' series(my respect to you if you actually complete that): 3>. https://m.youtube.com/@TheAtmaParadigm/videos
High quality articles on various controversial scenarios in terms of karma https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/?s=Karma________