Answer

In Jain Dharma, avoiding looking at other girls in real life is good self-restraint, but watching pornographic photos or videos online is still considered harmful for the soul.

Because even if it is online, it increases:

• lustful thoughts
• attachment to the body
• mental impurity
• loss of self-control
• kashayas like rāga and moha

So from a Jain perspective, it is better to gradually stop this habit.

Explanation

Jain Dharma does not judge only outer action. It also gives importance to inner thoughts and intentions.

Even if you are not physically doing anything wrong, repeatedly seeing such images or videos can create mental passions. These passions bind karma and disturb peace of mind.

Brahmacharya does not only mean physical celibacy. It also includes purity in:

• eyes
• thoughts
• speech
• imagination
• conduct

For householders, Jain Dharma teaches controlled and responsible living. For monks and nuns, complete celibacy is followed. But for everyone, reducing lust and attachment is spiritually beneficial.

Spiritual Understanding

The mind becomes like what it repeatedly consumes. If the mind keeps seeing sensual content, it becomes harder to remain peaceful, focused, and spiritually strong.

A Jain way to handle this is:

• Do not hate yourself.
• Accept honestly that this habit is harmful.
• Reduce it step by step.
• Avoid triggers like certain apps, websites, or being alone with the phone at night.
• Practice Navkar Mantra when urges arise.
• Engage the mind in svādhyāya, exercise, service, or meaningful work.
• If you fail, do pratikraman sincerely and restart.

Takeaway

Not looking at girls in real life is good, but online lust also affects the soul. Jain Dharma encourages purity not only in action, but also in vision, thought, and intention. Gradual self-control with patience is the right path.