Is it possible to achieve liberation in this modern time?
According to Jain Dharma, we have to answer this in two parts:
1. In this Bharat Kshetra, in the present 5th āra (Pancham Kaal)
Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions agree on this point:- In today’s time in Bharat Kshetra (our land and era):
So: Right now, from this very earth-region and era, no one will reach final liberation. The last one to attain moksha in this avasarpinī (descending half-cycle) is accepted as Jambu Swami, after Bhagwan Mahavira.
But this does not mean the path is useless.
2. Is liberation absolutely impossible now? No.
Jain scriptures explain:- The path to moksha (samyak darshan, samyak jñān, samyak chāritra) is always valid.
- Moksha is presently possible in Mahāvideh Kshetra, where Tirthankars are still present and the spiritual era is favourable.
- What we do now in this time:
- By such practice, a soul destroys heavy karmas and creates the causes for:
So in simple words:
- No, we cannot jump straight to final moksha from here and now (Bharat, 5th āra).
- Yes, by sincere Jain practice in this modern time, we can come very close to liberation and prepare the exact conditions needed to attain moksha in a future birth, especially in Mahāvideh.
Modern time, mobile, internet etc. do not change the law of karma or the kapilā time-cycle; they only add distraction. The real deciding factors are:
- Reducing violence and attachment
- Increasing right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
You can read more detailed Q&A on this topic here: “Can a person opt nirvana after Mahavira?” “Moksh in 5th āra (Pancham Kaal)”