In Jainism, "Vathya punya" (sometimes spelled "Vāthya Puṇya") refers to meritorious karma (puṇya) that is earned through actions or activities that are considered auspicious or virtuous but are primarily directed towards material or worldly well-being, rather than spiritual liberation.

Meaning in detail:

• Punya (Puṇya): This means merit or auspicious karma, which leads to pleasant experiences and happiness in the worldly cycle (samsara).
• Vathya (Vāthya): This term generally implies something related to external actions, rituals, or activities that bring about positive worldly results.

Vathya punya is thus the auspicious karma accumulated by performing good deeds, charity, rituals, or services that result in happiness, comfort, and prosperity in this life or future births. However, according to Jain philosophy, while punya leads to pleasurable experiences, it still binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and does not result in liberation (moksha).

In summary: Vathya punya means the meritorious karma gained through good deeds and external virtuous actions, which brings worldly happiness but does not free the soul from bondage. True liberation in Jainism is attained by transcending all karma, including punya, through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.