Can non jains go to Heaven?
In Jainism, the idea of Heaven (devaloka or Svarga) exists as one of the many realms where a soul can be reborn based on its karma. So yes: non-Jains can go to Heaven if their karma supports it. They can enjoy heavenly happiness for a period, but it is not permanent liberation.
Key points in Jain understanding:
- Rebirth is governed by karma. Good deeds can lead to birth in higher realms, including celestial heavens.
- The ultimate aim is Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). This is achieved by right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra)—the three jewels.
- Moksha is possible for every soul, regardless of its current birth or background, when it attains true Jain right knowledge and follows the Jain path.
- Heaven is not the final goal; it is a temporary stop on the infinite journey of the soul unless one attains Moksha.
Note on traditions:
- There are differences in emphasis between Digambara and Śvetāmbara texts, but both acknowledge the existence of heavenly realms and the ultimate goal of liberation.
If you’d like, I can point you to a Jain Knowledge page that discusses karma, rebirth, and Moksha in more detail.