Arth means meaning, sense, or aim. In Jain literature, arth refers to the purport or essential teaching of a sutra, mantra, or verse—the idea the text intends to convey.

Key points:

• Arth = the intended meaning or purpose (what the verse is trying to teach).
• In practice, different Jain traditions (Digambar and Śvetambar) may describe or emphasize aspects of the arth differently, but the goal is to capture the true spiritual essence of the teaching.
• When a text is studied, scholars often state the arth first, then explain supporting details and context.

If you want, you can share a specific sutra or stanza, and I’ll explain its arth in a clear, authentic Jain understanding.