Answer

The 7 tattvas in Jain philosophy are:

1. Jiva — soul, living being
2. Ajiva — non-soul, non-living matter
3. Asrava — influx of karmas into the soul
4. Bandha — bondage of karmas with the soul
5. Samvara — stoppage of karma influx
6. Nirjara — shedding of karmas
7. Moksha — liberation of the soul

Explanation

These seven tattvas explain the whole spiritual journey in Jain Dharma:

• Jiva is the conscious, pure soul.
• Ajiva includes everything without consciousness, such as matter, space, time, motion, and rest.
• Asrava happens when karmas begin flowing toward the soul through thoughts, speech, and actions.
• Bandha is when those karmas bind to the soul.
• Samvara is the practice of stopping new karmic influx through restraint and discipline.
• Nirjara is the removal of old karmas through penance and purification.
• Moksha is complete freedom from karma and the state of eternal liberation.

Spiritual Understanding

The seven tattvas form the foundation of Jain spiritual life. They show:

• what the soul is,
• how bondage happens,
• and how liberation is achieved.

In simple terms, Jain philosophy teaches that the soul becomes bound by karma through ignorance and activity, and becomes free through right understanding, self-control, and purification.

Takeaway

The 7 tattvas are the roadmap of Jain liberation: know the soul, stop karma, remove karma, and attain moksha.