What is kausagg

Kausagg (Prakrit: kāusagga; Sanskrit: kayotsarga) is a Jain meditation of “letting go of the body.”

• Meaning: kaya + utsarga = giving up attachment to the body; turning attention inward to the pure soul (ātma).
• Form: stand absolutely still, upright, feet steady, arms relaxed slightly away from the body, eyes gently downcast (or closed), natural breathing, and mind focused on the soul while reciting sacred sutras.
• Purpose: to cultivate detachment, stop new karmas, and shed bound karmas. It is an essential part of Samayik, Pratikraman, and Chaitya‑vandan.
• Duration: it may be done briefly (a few minutes) or for longer periods (traditionally up to one muhūrta ≈ 48 minutes), depending on the observance and capacity.
• Sutras often recited: Namokar Mantra, Logassa Sutra, and specific Kayotsarga passages, with reflection on forgiveness and equanimity.

Tradition notes

• Shwetambar: Kausagg is done in Pratikraman and Chaitya‑vandan, commonly with Logassa and related sutras.
• Digambar: The same kayotsarga posture is practiced, with Kayotsarga sutras and Namokar Mantra; used in daily Pratikraman and other austerities.

For simple step‑by‑step contexts where Kausagg appears, see:

• Pratikraman steps with Kayotsarga highlighted
• Chaitya‑vandan vidhi showing Kayotsarga and Logassa
• Digambar Pratikraman (includes Kayotsarga)

Spiritual essence: In Kausagg, you lovingly withdraw identification from the body and dwell as the witness‑consciousness. This stillness, joined with right faith and right knowledge, supports true purification in the Jain path.