In Jainism, “labdhi” means a special spiritual attainment or power that arises when certain karmas are destroyed or become inactive. It is a by‑product of spiritual progress, not the final goal (which is moksha).

There are two common ways labdhis are described:

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1. As special spiritual powers (aṣṭa‑labdhi – 8 labdhis)

Many Jain texts list 8 main labdhis (similar to eight “siddhis”) – these are supernormal abilities that can arise in very advanced sādhaks:

1. Aṇimā Labdhi – ability to become extremely small (like an atom)
2. Mahimā Labdhi – ability to become extremely large
3. Garimā Labdhi – ability to become very heavy
4. Laghimā Labdhi – ability to become very light
5. Prāpti Labdhi – ability to reach or obtain things even from far away
6. Prākāmya Labdhi – ability to fulfill any desire / obtain anything wished
7. Īśitva Labdhi – lordship, power of control over many things / beings
8. Vaśitva Labdhi – power to bring others or situations under control

These are sometimes called aṣṭa‑labdhi (8 attainments). Jain āgamas and later texts clearly warn: do not get attached to these powers. Clinging to them gives rise to pride and new karmas.

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2. As attainments of the soul’s qualities (jñāna, darshan, etc.)

In the more philosophical sense, labdhi means: “the soul’s capacity to manifest a quality when the covering karma goes away.” On this basis, we speak of:

1. Jñāna‑labdhi (attainment of knowledge)

When jñānāvarṇīya karma reduces, different types of knowledge manifest: - Mati‑jñāna labdhi (sensory/mental knowledge) - Śruta‑jñāna labdhi (scriptural/verbal knowledge) - Avadhi‑jñāna labdhi (clairvoyant knowledge) - Manahparyaya‑jñāna labdhi (telepathic knowledge) - Keval‑jñāna labdhi (omniscience)

1. Darshan‑labdhi (attainment of perception)

When darśanāvarṇīya karma reduces, the soul’s power of perception grows: - Cakṣu‑darshan labdhi (perception through eyes) - Acakṣu‑darshan labdhi (without eyes – non‑sensory) - Avadhi‑darshan labdhi - Keval‑darshan labdhi

1. Vīrya‑labdhi (attainment of spiritual energy)

The soul’s infinite energy starts to manifest when obstructing karmas fall away. This gives great strength for tapas, sādhana, and self‑control.

1. Sukha‑labdhi (attainment of bliss)

As the causes of internal misery (karmas of pain, attachment, aversion) reduce, the soul experiences natural, inner bliss.

1. Other important labdhis (sometimes listed)

- Samyaktva‑labdhi – attainment of right faith (samyak‑darshan) - Samādhi‑labdhi – attainment of deep, stable meditation

(Names and grouping are generally accepted in both Śvetāmbara and Digambara, though exact lists and emphasis may differ in individual texts.)

You can read a simple explanation of “labdhi na prakar” here

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How to gain labdhi (according to Jain Dharma)

Very important: Jainism never teaches “do this to get powers.” It teaches: “purify the soul; if labdhi comes, stay detached.”

Labdhi arises naturally from:

1. Right Faith (Samyak‑darshan)

- Developing clear, steady faith in: soul, karma, Tirthankars, and the path. - Avoiding mithyātva (wrong beliefs, superstition, blind following).

1. Right Knowledge (Samyak‑jñān)

- Studying Jain scriptures from authentic gurus. - Reflecting (manan) and meditating (nididhyāsan) so knowledge becomes living, not just bookish. - Removing doubts and misconceptions.

1. Right Conduct (Samyak‑chāritra)

For householders: - Practicing aṇu‑vrat (small vows): non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing, chastity in limits, non‑possessiveness. - Doing pratikraman, upavās, sāmāyik, dāna, sevā.

For sādhus/sādhvīs: - Observing mahā‑vrat fully. - Careful practice of gupti (control of mind, speech, body) and samiti (carefulness in all activities).

1. Tapas (Austerity) and Sāmāyik / Dhyān

- Anshan, upavās, ayambel, unodarī, etc. done with equanimity. - Regular sāmāyik, pratikraman, kayotsarg, dhyān on soul’s nature. - This burns karmas that block knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

1. Reductions of Passions (Kashāya‑kṣaya / upaśama)

- Gradually weakening anger, pride, deceit, greed. - Cultivating forgiveness, humility, simplicity, contentment. - As kashāyas calm down, the soul’s natural powers (labdhi) shine.

1. Total Non‑Attachment to Labdhi Itself

- If a sādhak gets some intuitive power or unusual experience, he/she must ignore it and remain a detached witness. - Using labdhi for show, money, or harming others brings heavy bondage.

In short:

• Aim only at samyak‑darshan, samyak‑jñān, samyak‑chāritra, and finally moksha.
• Walk the path of ahimsa, aparigraha, tapas, and dhyān under guidance of a true guru.
• As karmas fall, labdhis may come by themselves. Treat them as side‑effects, not as your goal.