Kama, maya, krodha etc
Answer
In Jain Dharma, kāma, māyā, and krodha are forms of kashāya — inner passions or defilements that bind the soul with karma.Common kashāyas are:
- Krodha — anger
- Māyā — deceit, illusion, trickery
- Māna — ego, pride, arrogance
- Lobha — greed, attachment to gain
- Kāma — sensual desire, lust, craving
Explanation
These are considered very harmful because they disturb the soul’s natural state of peace, purity, and equanimity.- Krodha burns inner peace.
- Māyā makes a person inwardly crooked or dishonest.
- Māna creates pride and separation from humility.
- Lobha increases endless wanting.
- Kāma strengthens attachment to sensory pleasure.
In Jain teaching, these passions are major causes of karmic bondage.
Spiritual Understanding
The goal in Jain Dharma is to reduce and finally destroy these inner passions through:- Right understanding
- Self-control
- Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
- Forgiveness
- Humility
- Truthfulness
- Meditation and restraint
When these passions become weak, the soul becomes lighter, calmer, and closer to liberation.