What does das lakshan stand for?
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Answer
Das Lakshan means the Ten Virtues or Ten Supreme Qualities of the soul in Jain Dharma.
“Das” means ten, and “Lakshan” means qualities, characteristics, or virtues.
These ten virtues are especially observed during Das Lakshan Parva, mainly in the Digambar Jain tradition.
The Ten Lakshans
- Uttam Kshama – Supreme forgiveness
- Uttam Mardav – Supreme humility
- Uttam Arjav – Supreme straightforwardness
- Uttam Shauch – Supreme purity or contentment
- Uttam Satya – Supreme truthfulness
- Uttam Sanyam – Supreme self-restraint
- Uttam Tap – Supreme austerity
- Uttam Tyag – Supreme renunciation
- Uttam Akinchanya – Supreme non-attachment
- Uttam Brahmacharya – Supreme celibacy or purity of conduct
Spiritual Understanding
Das Lakshan reminds us that the true nature of the soul is pure, peaceful, forgiving, detached, and self-controlled. These virtues help a person reduce passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
Takeaway
Das Lakshan stands for the ten noble qualities that guide a Jain toward inner purification, right conduct, and ultimately liberation.