Answer

In Jain Dharma, mukti means complete liberation of the soul from all karma and the cycle of birth and death.

According to traditional Jain understanding, in the present time-cycle phase, it is generally taught that souls from our region cannot attain moksha directly in this very era in the same way Bhagwan Mahavira attained liberation.

However, one can still make powerful spiritual progress today through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, tapa, self-restraint, and purification of the soul.

Explanation

Bhagwan Mahavira attained keval jnan and then moksha because he completely destroyed all karmas.

In Jain cosmology, time moves through different phases. We are currently in an unfavorable phase of the time cycle, where the full conditions required for direct liberation are not present in our part of the universe.

So, while attaining final moksha like Mahavira is not generally considered possible for souls living here and now, Jain Dharma strongly teaches that spiritual effort is never wasted.

A person can still:

• Develop samyak darshan — right faith
• Study and understand Jain teachings
• Practice ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment
• Reduce passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed
• Perform tapa and live with greater awareness
• Move closer toward future liberation

Spiritual Understanding

The goal today is not to compare ourselves with Bhagwan Mahavira, but to follow the path he showed.

Every act of restraint, forgiveness, compassion, and detachment purifies the soul. Even if final moksha is not attained immediately, sincere practice creates the causes for liberation in the future.

Takeaway

Direct mukti like Bhagwan Mahavira is not generally taught as possible in our present time and region, but the path to mukti is fully meaningful today. By living according to Jain Dharma, one can greatly purify the soul and move steadily toward liberation.