How can we attain moksh
In Jain Dharma, moksh (liberation) is the soul’s final freedom from all karmas. A liberated soul (Siddha) goes to Siddhashila and remains in eternal bliss, infinite knowledge, perception, and energy.
How to attain moksh (the traditional Jain path) 1) Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) practiced together
- Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): unwavering faith in the true nature of soul and the teachings of the Jinas.
- Samyak Jnan (Right Knowledge): correct understanding of reality as taught in scriptures.
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): living free from attachment and aversion, guided by vows and restraint.
2) Stop new karmas and shed old karmas
- Samvar: stop the inflow of karma by guarding mind–speech–body (gupti), carefulness (samiti), vows, watchfulness, and reducing passions.
- Nirjara: shed accumulated karma through austerities, repentance, humility, service, self-study, meditation, and non-attachment.
3) Vows and daily discipline
- For householders: follow the 12 vows (5 Anuvrata, 3 Gunavrata, 4 Shikshavrata), practice the six Avashyak (Samayik, Pratikraman, etc.), cultivate compassion and careful living.
- For monks/nuns: live the 5 Mahavrata perfectly with inner purity and constant vigilance.
4) Purify the inner causes
- Reduce and finally destroy kashaya (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
- Practice equanimity, forgiveness, truthfulness, and non-possessiveness.
- Engage in meditation (dhyana) and both external and internal tapas with right vision.
5) Walk the stages of spiritual growth
- Progress through the 14 Gunasthans by strengthening Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct, until passions become subsided, then destroyed, leading to Kevaljnan; at the end of that life, the soul becomes a Siddha.
Essence in one line Right Faith + Right Knowledge + Right Conduct, supported by vows, equanimity, and austerities, leading to stopping and shedding of karmas, is the only path to moksh. A brief primer on the goal of moksh in Jain basics
Notes on traditions
- Both Digambar and Shvetambar fully agree that moksh is attained only through the Three Jewels, Samvar, and Nirjara.
- Differences (like monastic attire or whether women attain moksh in the present era) do not change the essentials of the path.
Live simply, avoid harm, restrain desires, purify intentions, meditate with right vision, and steadily keep Ratnatraya. This is the Jain way to liberation.