But when the shastra says that complete renunciation is the only way to moksha then how the other practices are considered as road to moksha
Answer
Yes — in Jain Dharma, complete renunciation is the direct and final path to moksha. The other practices are called a road to moksha because they prepare the soul for that final renunciation.
Explanation
Jain philosophy distinguishes between:
- Direct cause of moksha:
- Indirect supporting practices:
So the other practices are not the final liberation by themselves. They are stepping stones.
For example:
- Dana (charity)
- Vrata (vows)
- Upvas (fasting)
- Pratikraman
- Swadhyay
- Puja
- Meditation
- Self-restraint
These help a soul move closer to renunciation by:
- reducing greed and attachment
- increasing discipline
- building awareness
- creating detachment
- strengthening right faith
A householder cannot practice full renunciation immediately in the same way a monk or nun does. So for a householder, these practices are valid progressive means on the path.
Spiritual Understanding
In Jainism, the soul reaches moksha when all karma is shed. That requires the highest level of purity, which is complete renunciation.
But before that final stage, the soul often needs gradual purification. That is why Jain tradition accepts a step-by-step spiritual journey:
- Right faith
- Right knowledge
- Right conduct
- Increasing detachment
- Eventually complete renunciation
So the smaller practices are like training the soul. They are the path of preparation, while renunciation is the path of completion.
Takeaway
The simple understanding is this:
- Other practices are the road
- Complete renunciation is the destination and direct cause of moksha
So there is no contradiction. The earlier practices help the soul become fit for the final, complete renunciation that leads to liberation.