In Jain Dharma, attachment and affection are not the same.

Attachment

• Attachment is moha and raag in a binding form.
• It creates dependence, possessiveness, craving, and fear of loss.
• It ties the soul to karma.
• Example: “This person or thing must remain mine; if I lose it, I cannot be happy.”

Affection

• Affection is a gentle feeling of care, kindness, and goodwill.
• When it is free from possessiveness, ego, and selfish craving, it can remain pure and respectful.
• In Jain view, even affection should be controlled with awareness, so it does not turn into attachment.

Should you not love yourself?

In Jain Dharma, you should not love yourself in the sense of ego, pride, or selfishness.

But you should have:

• self-respect
• self-awareness
• care for your soul
• effort for purification of the self

So, the right attitude is not “selfish love,” but right understanding of the soul.

Simple difference

• Attachment = “I cannot live without this.”
• Affection = “I care for this, but I remain detached.”

Jain perspective

The goal is to move from raag and dvesh toward equanimity, detachment, and pure compassion. So love should become compassion without bondage.

In short: Yes, you can care for yourself and others, but do not become attached. Love should be pure, mindful, and free from possession.