In Jain Dharma, the “meaning of life” is to realize and remain in the soul’s true nature, and to steadily free it from karmic bondage so it attains liberation (moksha).

Key points, kept simple:

• Your true Self (jiva/atma) is inherently pure: infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. Bondage by karma hides this.
• The highest purpose is moksha—complete freedom from all karma and rebirth, dwelling in pure, undisturbed bliss.
• The direct path is the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya):

1) Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) — seeing reality correctly, 2) Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan) — knowing the tattvas (nine fundamentals), 3) Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) — living with self-restraint and virtue.

• Core living principles: non‑violence (ahimsa), truth, non‑stealing, celibacy/chastity, and non‑possessiveness (aparigraha).
• Daily practice for progress: equanimity (samayik), repentance and forgiveness (pratikraman/kshema), meditation (dhyana), austerity (tapas), compassion, and carefulness in every action (samiti/gupti).
• Two standpoints clarify “meaning”:

- Nischaya naya (ultimate): simply to abide in the pure soul. - Vyavahar naya (practical): to purify the soul by ethical living, reducing delusion (mohaniya karma), and serving all life with non‑harm.

For householders, this means observing small vows (anuvrata) and steadily reducing violence and attachment. For ascetics, it means the great vows (mahavrata) and total renunciation. In both, the aim is the same: purify karma and realize the Self.

In short: Live with non‑violence, self‑discipline, and awareness to uncover the soul’s innate bliss and ultimately attain liberation.