In Jainism, moksha (mokkha) means complete liberation of the soul from karma and from the cycle of birth and death (samsār).

Here is a simple description of the belief:

1. What is moksha?

- The soul becomes forever free from all karmic particles. - It rises to the top of the universe, called Siddha-śilā, and stays there eternally. - In this state the soul has: - Infinite knowledge (anant jñān) - Infinite perception (anant darshan) - Infinite bliss (anant sukh) - Infinite energy (anant vīrya) - Such a liberated soul is called a Siddha.

1. Why are we not liberated now?

- Every soul is pure by its own nature, but it is covered by karma (very fine matter that binds to the soul due to our thoughts, words, and actions driven by passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, hatred). - Because of this bondage, the soul keeps taking birth in different forms (heaven, hell, human, animal, etc.).

1. How is moksha attained (Moksha-mārga)?

Jainism clearly shows the path to liberation, called Moksha-mārga: - Samyak Darshan – Right faith / right vision - Samyak Jñān – Right knowledge - Samyak Chāritra – Right conduct Many texts also add: - Samyak Tap – Right austerity (fasts, self-discipline, control over desires)

By following this path: - New karma stops coming in (saṃvara). - Old karma gets destroyed (nirjarā). When all eight types of karma are finished, moksha occurs at the end of that life.

1. Where is the liberated soul?

- All Siddhas stay at the very top of the universe, Siddha-śilā, in eternal peace and bliss. - They never return to any form of birth again.

1. Is moksha the main goal?

- Yes. Jainism teaches that the real and highest goal of every soul is moksha. - Wealth, position, pleasures etc. are temporary and against the true nature of the soul, so they cannot give permanent happiness.

1. Digambar and Shvetambar views

- Both Digambar and Shvetambar agree on the basic belief about moksha: freedom from karma and samsār, infinite knowledge and bliss, residence at Siddha-śilā. - Differences are more in details like who has already attained moksha in this time-cycle, or some scriptural lists, not in the core definition of moksha itself.

You can read more in a simple Q&A style here: Moksha related questions and answers