Key idea

• In Jainism, karma is a subtle matter that binds to the self because of passions and wrong conduct. It is burned away (cured) by purifying the mind, speech, and body through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and by enduring austerities with inner discipline.

How karma is burnt (main pathways)

• Right belief and non-attachment (samyak darshan, samyak jnana, samyak behavior)

- Develop true insight into the nature of the self and the universe. - Cultivate detachment from worldly 즐ishments, ego, and anger.

• Non-violence in thought, speech, and action (ahimsa) and ethical living

- Speak truth, avoid harm, and practice compassion; this reduces new karmic influx.

• Self-discipline and ascetic practices (tapas)

- Undertake fasting, controlled breathing, restraint, and penances as per one's capacity. - Regular discipline (vratas, samitis) help burn karmas by reducing passion and increasing self-control.

• Observance of Jain vows and rituals at various levels

- Laypersons: regular vows, strict honesty, non-violence, celibacy according to stage, and mindful living. - Shravaks and mendicants: more stringent conduct, discipline, and renunciation; this accelerates karmic shedding.

• Mindful and ethical conduct in daily life

- Simple living, reducing possessions, and honest work lessen the binding of karmas.

• Gentle, steady purification over time

- Karmic burnout is gradual; sustained practice leads to gradual shedding of past karmas, with more rapid shedding as one’s inner state becomes purer.

Important notes

• There are differences in emphasis between Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, especially on how ascetic practices are pursued and the emphasis on certain vows. The core idea—karma diminishes as one purifies right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct—remains shared.
• The process is not about "punishment" but about the natural consequence of past karmas being burned away by purer present actions and thoughts.

If you’d like, I can share a concise outline of the three jewels (ight samyag) and how each directly helps in burning karma, or provide a simple daily practice plan suitable for beginners.