How can i shed all my karmas
Answer
In Jain Dharma, all karmas are shed through two main processes:
- Samvara — stopping the inflow of new karma
- Nirjara — shedding the karmas already bound to the soul
Complete destruction of all karmas leads to Moksha, the liberated state of the soul.
Explanation
According to Jain philosophy, karma is a subtle matter attached to the soul because of passions such as anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, and aversion.
To shed karmas, one should practice:
- Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct — the Three Jewels of Jain Dharma
- Ahimsa — non-violence in thought, speech, and action
- Truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession
- Forgiveness — reducing anger and hatred
- Detachment — reducing attachment to body, possessions, praise, and relationships
- Meditation and self-awareness — watching the soul separately from thoughts and emotions
- Pratikraman — repentance and correction for mistakes
- Tapasya — austerities such as fasting, restraint, simplicity, and inner discipline
Spiritual Understanding
Jain Dharma teaches that karma is mainly attracted by kasāyas — anger, pride, deceit, and greed. So the deepest way to shed karma is not only through outer rituals, but through inner purification.
For example:
- When anger reduces, karma bondage weakens.
- When greed reduces, attachment becomes lighter.
- When forgiveness grows, the soul becomes purer.
- When equanimity develops, old karmas begin to shed.
External tapas is helpful, but inner tapas — humility, repentance, meditation, study, and detachment — is especially important.
Takeaway
To shed all karmas, live with right faith, self-discipline, non-violence, forgiveness, detachment, meditation, and tapas. Step by step, stop new karmas and burn old karmas. This path ultimately leads the soul toward Moksha.