What is keval gyan
Answer
Keval Gyan means perfect, complete, and infinite knowledge of the soul.
In Jain Dharma, Keval Gyan is attained when a soul completely destroys the Gyanavarniya Karma — the karma that covers knowledge. A person who attains Keval Gyan is called a Kevali.
Explanation
Keval Gyan is not ordinary knowledge gained through study or senses. It is the soul’s natural, unlimited knowledge fully manifested.
A Kevali knows:
- All substances
- All their qualities
- All modes of past, present, and future
This knowledge is direct, complete, and free from doubt.
The 24 Tirthankars, including Bhagwan Mahavir, attained Keval Gyan before giving their divine teachings.
Spiritual Understanding
According to Jain Dharma, every soul has the potential for infinite knowledge. But karmas cover this natural power. Through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, tapasya, and destruction of karmas, the soul can manifest its pure nature.
Keval Gyan shows the highest state of spiritual awakening before final liberation, Moksha.
Takeaway
Keval Gyan is the soul’s fully awakened state of infinite knowledge, attained when knowledge-obscuring karma is completely destroyed.