In Jainism, what today is called “self‑actualisation” is understood as self‑realisation of the soul (ātma‑jñāna) and ultimately moksha. The idea is deeper than becoming your “best personality”; it is about uncovering the pure soul beyond body and mind.

Very simply:

1. Your real Self is the soul (jīva / ātmā)

- Eternal, conscious, full of knowledge and bliss. - Totally different from body, thoughts, emotions, status, relations, etc.

1. Problem: karmic bondage hides this purity

- Because of anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion and careless living, karmic matter sticks to the soul. - This causes ignorance, suffering, and endless rebirth.

1. True “self‑actualisation” = manifesting the soul’s own nature

In Jain terms this means: - Increasing right faith, right knowledge, right conduct (Ratnatraya). - Gradually removing karmas so that infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and energy of the soul shine more and more. - Final stage: keval‑jñāna (omniscience) and then moksha – perfect, pure Self forever.

1. Practical path in Jain dharma

- Right Faith (samyak darshan) – clear vision: “I am soul, not body; karma is real; liberation is possible.” - Right Knowledge (samyak jñān) – understanding tattvas (jīva, ajīva, karma, moksha, etc.). - Right Conduct (samyak chāritra) – living non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing, celibacy/chastity, non‑possessiveness according to one’s capacity. - Supported by: samayik (equanimity), pratikraman (repentance), dhyān (meditation), tapas (austerity), and guarding against the four passions.

1. Householder vs monk

- Gṛhastha (householder): follows small vows (anuvrata), reduces violence and attachment step‑by‑step. - Muni/āryikā (ascetic): follows great vows (mahāvrata) with total renunciation. - Goal is same: purify the soul and realise its true nature.

1. Digambar & Śvetāmbara

- Both agree: the highest fulfilment of the self is realisation and liberation of the individual soul through Ratnatraya and karmic purification. - Differences are in conduct details, not in this central idea.

So, in Jainism, self‑actualisation is not about ego becoming great, but about ego dissolving and the pure soul manifesting completely.

You can read more on related topics like ātmā, tattvas and self‑realisation here:

• What is ātmā?
• What is ātmā‑jñān (self‑realisation)?
• How to attain self‑realisation?