How to purify your thoughts as per jainism
In Jainism, purifying thoughts means reducing rāga-dveṣa — attachment and hatred — and cultivating śuddha bhāva (pure inner state). The main methods are:
- Practice Ahimsa in mind
- Avoid angry, cruel, jealous, or harmful thoughts. - Wish well for all living beings.
- Control the mind through self-restraint
- Be aware of what you think. - Stop negative imagination, blame, pride, and greed early.
- Meditation and आत्म-चिंतन
- Sit in शांत bhāva and observe the mind. - Reflect: “Is this thought increasing bondage or freedom?”
- Samayik
- In Jain practice, Samayik helps calm the mind and bring equanimity. - It is a strong method for inner purification.
- Pratikraman
- Repent for wrong thoughts, words, and actions. - Resolve not to repeat them.
- Swadhyaya
- Study Jain scriptures and teachings. - Right knowledge helps purify thinking.
- Maitri, Pramod, Karuna, Madhyasth
- Friendship toward all beings - Respect for the virtuous - Compassion for the suffering - Neutrality toward the wicked without hatred
- Reduce attachment
- Less greed, ego, possessiveness, and desire. - This is very important for mental purity in Jainism.
- Follow the Three Jewels
- Right Faith - Right Knowledge - Right Conduct These guide the mind toward purity and liberation.
- Live with awareness
- Every thought creates karmic bondage or purity. - Choose thoughts of peace, forgiveness, and detachment.
A simple Jain way to remember it is: “Purify the mind by reducing passions and increasing equanimity.”
If you want, I can also give this in a very short daily practice format.