Equanimity (samatva) and karma nirjara are central ideas in Jainism.

• Equanimity (samatva): A steady, balanced mind that remains undisturbed by joys or sorrows, praise or blame, and comes from controlling anger, attachment, pride, and deceit. It is cultivated through practices like samayik (meditative reflection), right conduct, and nondestructive living. In Jain teachings, samatva helps stop new karmic influx (samvara) and supports shedding old karma (nirjara). Different Jain texts and traditions describe samatva in slightly different wording, but the essential idea is the same: maintain inner balance regardless of external circumstances.

• Karma nirjara: Nirjara means shedding or burning accumulated karma. It is achieved by stopping the inflow of new karma (samvara) and by practicing austerities, right vows, repentance, meditation, and disciplined conduct. The more one reduces karmic bondage, the closer one comes to liberation. This concept is taught consistently in both Digambara and Śvetāmbara sources, though exact expressions may vary between the two traditions.

If you’d like, you can read more on how these ideas are explained together in Jain perspectives here:

Note on tradition:

• Both Digambara and Śvetāmbara scriptures affirm samatva and nirjara, but there can be nuanced differences in phrasing and emphasis across texts within the two traditions. The core spiritual aim—purification of the soul by stopping influx and shedding karma—remains the same.