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How can I attain Keval gyan and attain moksh? What I have to do? I mean in this time period its impossible but atleast I can try to reach as close as possible.
In Jain Dharma, the way to Kevalgyan and Moksh is very clear and very simple in theory, but very difficult in practice. You already have the right attitude: “Maybe I can’t reach it now, but I want to go as close as possible.” That is exactly the beginning of the path.
I’ll keep it practical and step‑by‑step.
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1. Understand the goal clearly
Keval Gyan = when all four ghāti karmas are destroyed and the soul’s natural, infinite knowledge appears. Moksh = when all karmas are finished; the soul goes to Siddhashila and never returns to birth and death.
Both traditions (Digambar and Shwetambar) agree on this essence.
You can read a simple explanation of Kevalgyan and Moksha here: You can read more here You can read more here
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2. The only path: Ratnatraya (Three Jewels)
To move towards Kevalgyan and Moksh, there is only one path:
- Samyak Darshan – Right Faith
- Samyak Jnan – Right Knowledge
- Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct
All three must come together.
(a) Samyak Darshan – Right Faith
Practically, for you today, it means:
- Deep trust that:
- Respect for Jain Agams / scriptures and true Gurus.
- Inner feeling: “Worldly pleasures are temporary; real happiness is in purity of soul.”
How to develop this:
- Daily Namokar Mantra with bhav (feeling), not just lips.
- Listen/read life of Tirthankars, Acharyas, true sadhus.
- Spend time in satsang (even online) rather than random content.
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(b) Samyak Jnan – Right Knowledge
For our time, this means clear, correct understanding (not just information):
- Learn basics:
- Understand:
Practical steps:
- Start with small, regular study: even 10–15 minutes daily:
Commit to consistency instead of big bursts.
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(c) Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct
This is where we actually move towards Kevalgyan.
For a layperson (Shravak / Shravika):
You are not expected to live like a sadhu, but you are expected to:
- Follow Anuvratas (small vows) in your capacity:
- Ahimsa – avoid violence as much as you truly can (food, speech, actions). - Satya – avoid lies, cheating, gossip. - Achaurya – no stealing, no taking even “small” things without clear permission. - Brahmacharya – purity in relationships, no misuse of sexuality. - Aparigraha – limit possessions, avoid craze for new things.
- Do daily spiritual practices (nityakarma) as per your level:
- Namokar Mantra with focus. - Small samayik (even 10–20 minutes) – sit quietly, do pratikraman for the day’s mistakes. - Pause and reflect: “What did I do today that increased passions? What can I reduce tomorrow?”
- Reduce four kasay (passions):
- Krodh (anger) - Maan (ego) - Maya (deceit/manipulation) - Lobha (greed)
Every time you:
- catch your anger early and soften it,
- swallow your ego and choose humility,
- avoid manipulating someone,
- control a greedy impulse,
you are really moving a tiny step closer to Kevalgyan, because these passions are the main blockers.
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3. “In this time period, is it impossible?”
Jain texts describe different eras; in our current era, becoming Tirthankar is not possible, and conditions are very hard. But:
- Becoming absolutely pure and liberated right now may be extremely rare,
- But moving towards higher gunasthanaks (spiritual stages) is always possible.
What you can realistically aim for in this life:
- Strong Samyak Darshan (unshakable right faith)
- Much clearer knowledge and cleaner conduct
- Reduction of heavy karmas and passions
- Birth in much better spiritual conditions in future lives (e.g., near Tirthankars / powerful sadhus).
So your thought “at least I can go as close as possible” is exactly the right approach.
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4. Very concrete daily plan (realistic for today’s life)
If you want something you can start today, here is a simple framework:
Daily (minimum):
- Morning (5–15 minutes to start):
- Namokar Mantra (at least 9 or 27 times) slowly, with awareness who you are bowing to (Arihant, Siddha, etc.). - Short prayer: “May I reduce anger, ego, deceit, greed today. May I hurt fewer beings today.”
- Daytime:
- Practice mindfulness of speech: Before speaking, check – “Is this himsa? Is it unnecessary? Is it harsh?” - Make one small sacrifice daily: - Skip some unnecessary comfort. - Avoid one harmful food item. - Control one strong impulse.
- Night (10–20 minutes):
- Quiet sitting: recall your whole day. - Do alpa pratikraman: - “Whatever himsa, lies, anger, attachment I did today, knowingly or unknowingly – I repent.” - Mentally ask forgiveness from anyone you hurt.
Weekly:
- One fixed time for:
- If possible, ekasana (one proper meal) or simple upvas/ayambil according to your health and guidance.
Gradual Additions:
As your interest and strength grow, add:
- Proper samayik under guidance.
- Formal pratikraman.
- Simpler lifestyle, fewer possessions, less entertainment addiction.
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5. Inner attitude: the most important thing
To move towards Kevalgyan, it’s not only “what you do” but how you do it:
- With vinay (humility): “I know very little; let me learn.”
- With nirmalta (honesty with yourself): accept your weaknesses without hiding.
- With nishkapat bhav (no show-off): practice for your soul, not to impress anyone.
- With shraddha and patience: karmic layers are huge; do not expect instant miracles.
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6. Summary in simple words
- Kevalgyan and Moksh come when all karmas are destroyed.
- The only way there is:
- In this era, you may or may not reach the final state in this life,
- Start with:
Walk steadily, not impatiently. The soul’s journey is very long, but every sincere step is stored; nothing is wasted.
You can read more detailed answers on moksha and its path here:
