According to Jain dharma, masturbation is not allowed and is considered pāpa (sin), even for normal laypeople (shrāvaks / shrāvikās).

Reason in simple words:

1. Breaks brahmacharya (control of sexual pleasure)

- For sādhus-sādhvīs: any sexual activity or deliberate sexual imagination is a big violation. - For householders: sex is allowed only with one’s own spouse, and even that with restraint, mainly for family life, not for pleasure-hunting. - Masturbation is only for pleasure, not for dharmic responsibility, so it goes against brahmacharya.

1. Increases passions (kashāyas) and attachment

- It strengthens lust, excitement, imagination, and makes mind more restless. - This pulls the soul away from samyak dṛṣṭi, dhyān, and inner purity.

1. Connected with subtle hiṁsā (violence)

- Jain ācāryas connect uncontrolled sexuality with a kind of hiṁsā, because intense passions disturb both self and others (and can lead to further wrong acts, lies, cheating, exploitation, etc.).

1. Degree of sin for laypeople

- For monks/nuns → very serious mahāvrat break. - For laypeople → still pāpa, but of a lower level (anuvrat level). - It is not equal to killing a being, but it definitely harms spiritual progress and adds bad karma.

What should a layperson do if they are struggling?

• Accept honestly: “Yes, this is wrong according to Jain dharma.”
• Do pratikraman and pratyākhyān:

- Feel genuine repentance (ālambana, prāyaścitta). - Take a small realistic vow like: “I will avoid it at least on Pakkhi / Chaumāsi / Paryushan / on samayik days / or for next 3 days,” then slowly increase.

• Reduce triggers:

- Avoid vulgar content, lustful talks, late-night overthinking, long privacy without purpose, over-eating, stimulating foods, etc.

• Fill mind with dharma:

- Daily svādhyāy, stotras, samayik, and satsang naturally reduce sexual pressure.

Short answer in Jain terms: Yes, masturbation is pāpa and against brahmacharya, even for “normal” people. A sincere Jain should try to give it up gradually, with repentance, restraint, and guidance from dharma.

You can read more on a related Jain view of this topic here