How to come out of these karmas
Answer
In Jain Dharma, we come out of karmas through two main processes:
- Saṃvara — stopping new karmas from binding to the soul.
- Nirjarā — shedding the karmas already bound to the soul.
This is done through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, self-discipline, repentance, forgiveness, meditation, and tapasya.
Explanation
According to Jain philosophy, karma is a subtle material bondage attached to the soul because of passions such as:
- Anger
- Pride
- Deceit
- Greed
- Attachment
- Hatred
To come out of karmas, one should practice:
- Right Faith: Develop trust in the true nature of soul, karma, and liberation.
- Right Knowledge: Understand what is beneficial and harmful for the soul.
- Right Conduct: Live with non-violence, truthfulness, honesty, celibacy according to capacity, and non-possessiveness.
- Pratikraman: Repent for mistakes and resolve not to repeat them.
- Forgiveness: Let go of anger and resentment.
- Meditation: Turn attention inward toward the pure soul.
- Tapasya: Practice austerities such as fasting, limiting desires, simplicity, and self-control.
- Equanimity: Remain balanced in pleasure and pain.
Spiritual Understanding
Jain Dharma teaches that the soul is naturally pure, peaceful, knowledgeable, and blissful. Karmas cover these qualities, just as dust covers a mirror.
When we reduce passions and practice awareness, the inflow of new karma slows down. When we bear difficulties peacefully, do tapasya, and remain detached, old karmas begin to shed.
The most important step is not to blame others or situations, but to look within and purify one’s own thoughts, words, and actions.
Takeaway
To come out of karmas:
- Stop harmful thoughts and actions.
- Practice forgiveness and humility.
- Do Pratikraman sincerely.
- Control desires and attachments.
- Remain in awareness of the soul.
Slowly, through Saṃvara and Nirjarā, the soul becomes lighter, purer, and moves toward liberation.