In Jain Dharma, masturbation is not approved.

Very simply:

1. For monks and nuns (sādhus–sādhvīs)

- Any kind of sexual activity, including masturbation, is a direct break of the Mahāvrat of Brahmacharya. - It is a serious spiritual fault.

1. For lay Jains (householders – shrāvaks/shrāvikās)

- We take the Anuvrat of Brahmacharya: limited sexual conduct, with one spouse, and with restraint. - Masturbation is treated as un‑chaste self‑indulgence, a transgression (atichār) of this vow. - It increases passions (kashāy), excites sensuality, strengthens attachment (rāga) and delusion (moha), and becomes cause of pāp (bad karma). - Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions agree on this in spirit (wording of texts may differ, but rule is same).

1. Involuntary vs deliberate

- Jain view mainly faults deliberate arousal (through body, thoughts, imagination, porn, etc.). - Involuntary things like nocturnal emission are seen differently – focus is to keep the mind pure and not encourage such states.

1. If you are struggling with it

Jain path is not to feel hopeless, but to: - Accept the fault (alochanā) – be honest with yourself (and Guru if you have one). - Do pratikraman – sincerely repent the same day. - Take a small vow (pachchhakhān) – e.g., “I will not do this for the next 3/7/15 days.” - Guard the mind and senses: - Avoid pornography and erotic talk. - Sleep on time; avoid late‑night loneliness/idleness. - Keep satsang, svādhyāy, samayik, Navkār mantra in daily routine. - Follow light, sattvik food and general self‑discipline.

In short:

• Masturbation is considered pāp in Jainism because it breaks brahmacharya and increases passions.
• The way forward is awareness, repentance, and gradual strengthening of self‑control, not self‑hatred.