What are the 14 samorchim
In Jainism “Sammūrcchana” means spontaneous generation. Beings born this way are called “Sammūrcchim jīva.” They arise when suitable pudgala (matter) aggregates in very impure places. The scriptures describe fourteen such impure places (the “14 Sammūrcchim”):
1) Feces 2) Urine 3) Nasal mucus (phlegm) 4) Earwax 5) Vomit 6) Bile 7) Pus 8) Blood mixed with flesh 9) Semen 10) Moistened particles of dried semen 11) Dead body (corpse) 12) During the act of copulation (maithuna) 13) City gutter/drain (filthy sewage) 14) Other thoroughly impure places
Notes for authenticity:
- Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions accept Sammūrcchana as one of the modes of birth (the others are garbha-janma and upapāda-janma). Names/wording of a few items may vary slightly, but the intent and the list of fourteen impure loci are the same in essence.
- This list is given to teach vigilance and ahiṃsā: countless minute lives arise in such places, so a Jain is careful in handling filth and impurities.