is interest a sin?

In Jain Dharma, earning or taking interest is generally considered a harmful form of livelihood, because it is linked with greed, exploitation, and accumulation of more than necessary, which goes against Aparigraha and inner purity.

However, the exact view depends on intent, scale, and involvement:

• For a householder, some worldly business activities are accepted, but one should avoid greed and violence in livelihood.
• For a monk or nun, interest-related activity is not appropriate.
• If interest leads to deceit, pressure on others, bondage, or mental attachment, it is spiritually harmful.
• Jain ethics place great importance on right livelihood, contentment, and non-attachment.

So, in Jain perspective, interest is not usually viewed as spiritually ideal, and profiting from others’ need through interest is discouraged.

The safest Jain approach is to live with:

• less greed
• fair earnings
• simple living
• non-attachment to wealth