Answer

In Jain Dharma, Nimit generally means an external supporting cause or condition.

There are mainly two types of Nimit:

• Bahya Nimit – external cause or outside condition
• Antaranga Nimit – internal cause or inner condition

Explanation

Bahya Nimit refers to outer circumstances, people, objects, environment, or situations that help an event occur.

Antaranga Nimit refers to internal conditions such as one’s own thoughts, passions, karma, intentions, and inner state.

In Jain philosophy, any event happens through the working of:

• Upadan – the material or main cause
• Nimit – the instrumental or assisting cause

Nimit supports the change, but it does not become the main substance that changes.

Spiritual Understanding

Understanding Nimit helps us see that outside situations may influence us, but our own soul’s inner state and karma are very important. Jain Dharma teaches us not to blame only outside causes, but to focus on purifying our own thoughts, conduct, and passions.

Takeaway

There are mainly two types of Nimit: Bahya Nimit and Antaranga Nimit. Nimit means a supporting condition, while the real transformation depends on the nature of the substance and its own inner causes.