Answer

In Jain tradition, Bhagwan Mahavira did not teach that liberation is impossible because souls are weak by nature. Rather, Jain scriptures explain that in the present time-cycle, certain spiritual conditions have declined so much that attaining Kevala Jnana and moksha has become practically unavailable in this region.

The main reason is the nature of the present era: the fifth ara of the descending time-cycle, called Dushama Kal.

Explanation

According to Jain cosmology, time moves in cycles. In our region of the universe, we are now in the fifth era of Avasarpini, a period of spiritual decline.

In this era:

• Human lifespan is much shorter.
• Physical strength and mental steadiness are reduced.
• True austerity is harder to perform to the highest degree.
• Passions such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed are stronger.
• The purity needed for the final destruction of karmas is extremely rare.
• The complete conditions required for Kevala Jnana do not arise in this region during this era.

Because of this, Jain tradition holds that after Jambu Swami, no one in this part of the world attains Kevala Jnana in the present fifth era.

This does not mean that spiritual progress is meaningless. A soul can still:

• Develop right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Reduce karmic bondage.
• Practice vows, restraint, meditation, repentance, and austerity.
• Move closer to liberation in future births.

Spiritual Understanding

The teaching is meant to create humility, not hopelessness.

Jain Dharma teaches that liberation is governed by exact spiritual laws. When the necessary inner purity and outer conditions are absent, Kevala Jnana does not manifest. But sincere effort still has immense value.

Even in this difficult era, practicing:

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Aparigraha
• Samayik
• Pratikraman
• Tap
• Devotion to the Arihants and Siddhas

helps purify the soul and prepares it for future spiritual advancement.

Takeaway

Bhagwan Mahavira’s teaching about this era reflects the Jain understanding of cosmic time and spiritual decline. Kevala Jnana is not denied because the soul lacks potential, but because the present era does not provide the complete conditions needed for its manifestation in this region. Still, every sincere step in Dharma brings the soul closer to liberation.