Karm nirjara means shedding or burning away karmic particles that cling to the soul. It is the key to reducing bondage and moving toward liberation.

Two main varieties

• Sakām nirjarā: you actively try to shed karmas early, through disciplined penance and right conduct.
• Kām nirjarā (Akaṁ nirjarā): karmas shed naturally as their fruits unfold over time, without extra effort.

How it fits with the bigger path

• First, stop new karmas from binding to the soul (samvara) by living with right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and by practicing restraint and non-violence.
• Then, shed the existing karmas (nirjarā) using austerities and inner purification. This can be done through external practices (like fasting, controlled penances, and mindful discipline) and internal practices (calm reflection, forgiveness, and steady ethical living).
• The more sincere and disciplined the effort, the faster the shedding.

Simple steps you can start with

• Practice samayik (a period of calm, equanimous awareness) and pratikraman (confession and repentance for faults).
• Follow the five great vows as much as possible: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness; reduce anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• Undertake modest tapas: fasting, self-restraint, and mindful living; study and contemplate scriptures.
• Cultivate bhava (mental attitude) of forgiveness and equanimity, especially during difficulties.

Notes on traditions

• Both Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions affirm nirjarā as the mechanism for removing karma, though they may differ in emphasis or specific practices.

You can read more about nirjara and how it works here:

• How nirjara burns karma and its principle:
• Get out of karma (summary of stopping influx and shedding karma):