Here’s a simple, kid-friendly tabloid about Kashaya (bad mental states) and their causes in Jain teaching.

Kashayya: What are they?

• Kashaya are bad feelings that tempt us to behave wrongly. They make us upset, say mean things, or do wrong things.
• In Jainism, the most talked-about Kashaya are:

- Anger (Krodha) — when we want to yell or hurt someone. - Pride (Mana) — when we think “I am the best” and ignore others. - Greed (Lobha) — when we want more and more stuff, even if we don’t need it. - Attachment (Raga) — when we love things or people too much and don’t want to share or let go. - Deceit or Ignorance (Maya/Ahankara) — when we trick others or don’t tell the truth to look good.

Why do Kashaya happen? Simple, kid version

• Wanting things we don’t need: When we think happiness comes only from having more toys, snacks, or gadgets.
• Feeling left out or jealous: If a friend plays with someone else and we feel “I deserve that.”
• Wrong beliefs about ourselves: Thinking we are always right, or that others are always wrong.
• Bad company or peer pressure: Friends who tease or encourage mean behavior.
• Forgetting the good Jain values: Kindness, patience, truth, and sharing.

How to spot Kashaya in daily life

• Do I feel angry when told “no”?
• Do I brag about myself or feel better than others?
• Do I grab more than my share or hide things I have?
• Do I tell lies or half-truths to win?
• Do I feel I cannot give up something even if it’s harmless to share?

Simple ways to reduce Kashaya (kid-friendly tips)

• Take a deep breath before reacting.
• Count to ten and think, “Is this kind? Is this honest? Will this hurt someone?”
• Practice forgiveness: if someone makes a mistake, try to forgive and calm down.
• Share and take turns: practice giving others a chance to enjoy too.
• Speak truthfully and kindly, even when it’s hard.
• Remember the Jain values you learn at home or school: non-violence, truth, kindness, self-control.

A quick moral story idea (to tell kids)

• A friend takes your snack without asking. You feel angry and want to yell. Then you pause, take a breath, and tell your friend nicely, “Please ask next time.” Your anger fades, and you both share happily. That’s how you keep Kashaya away.

Note for guiding adults

• Kashaya are natural tendencies; Jain teaching helps us notice them, understand their causes, and practice virtues to reduce them.
• Regular reflection, prayer, and learning about ahimsa (non-violence), truth, and self-control help kids grow calmer and kinder.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a class handout with large print, colorful boxes for each Kashaya, and a simple activity sheet for 9-year-olds.