how does the soul travel from mortal world to moksh if they have no body after destroying all karma
In Jainism, when a soul burns off all karma (ghatiya and aghatiya) and ceases to accumulate new karma, there is no further bondage or journey through the worldly realms. Here is the simple explanation:
- At the end of karma: The soul has achieved kevala jnana (infinite, omniscient knowledge) and true detachment from worldly phenomena.
- What happens next: There is no body to move in or out of. The soul becomes siddha (perfect, liberated) and resides in siddha-loka, a realm of pure, formless consciousness beyond the cycles of birth and death.
- The nature of liberation: In this state, the soul experiences supreme bliss, absolute knowledge, and infinite perception, free from any bondage, pain, or limitation.
- Travel after liberation: Travel through space or time is not applicable to a liberated soul. It simply remains in its pure, liberated state.
Notes on traditions:
- Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara agree that liberation ends all karmic bondage and that the soul attains siddha-hood, though there are nuanced doctrinal discussions in some texts. The essential idea remains: no body, no further rebirths, pure consciousness in siddha-loka.
Key terms to know:
- Karma (sanchita, agami, prārabdha) and their dissolution
- Kevala jnana (omniscient knowledge)
- Kaivalya (liberation)
- Siddha-loka (the liberated realm)
If you’d like, I can share a short, traditional line or verse that expresses the state of a liberated soul, and explain its meaning in Jain philosophy.