''Nirjara'' is one of the seven fundamental principles, or
Tattva
According to various Indian schools of philosophy, ''tattvas'' () are the elements or aspects of reality that constitute human experience. In some traditions, they are conceived as an aspect of deity. Although the number of ''tattvas'' varies ...
in
Jain philosophy
Jain philosophy refers to the ancient Indian philosophy, Indian philosophical system found in Jainism. One of the main features of Jain philosophy is its Mind–body dualism, dualistic metaphysics, which holds that there are two distinct categor ...
, and refers to the shedding or removal of accumulated
karma
Karma (; sa, कर्म}, ; pi, kamma, italic=yes) in Sanskrit means an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences. In Indian religions, the term more specifically refers to a principle of cause and effect, often descriptivel ...
s from the
atma (soul), essential for breaking free from
samsara, the cycle of birth-death and
rebirth
Rebirth may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
Film
* ''Rebirth'' (2011 film), a 2011 Japanese drama film
* ''Rebirth'' (2016 film), a 2016 American thriller film
* ''Rebirth'', a documentary film produced by Project Rebirth
* ''The Re ...
, by achieving
moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriology, ...
, liberation.
[ Singh, p. 4525]
Literally meaning "falling off", the concept is described first in chapter 9 of the classical Jain text,
Tattvartha Sutra
''Tattvārthasūtra'', meaning "On the Nature 'artha''of Reality 'tattva'' (also known as ''Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra'' or ''Moksha-shastra'') is an ancient Jain text written by ''Acharya (Jainism), Acharya'' Umaswami in Sanskrit, somet ...
(True nature of Reality) written by Acharya
Umasvati
Umaswati, also spelled as Umasvati and known as Umaswami, was an Indian scholar, possibly between 2nd-century and 5th-century CE, known for his foundational writings on Jainism. He authored the Jain text ''Tattvartha Sutra'' (literally '"All Tha ...
, in 2nd century CE, the only text authoritative in both
Svetambara and
Digambara
''Digambara'' (; "sky-clad") is one of the two major schools of Jainism, the other being ''Śvētāmbara'' (white-clad). The Sanskrit word ''Digambara'' means "sky-clad", referring to their traditional monastic practice of neither possessing n ...
sects of Jainism. Later it also finds mention in
Dravyasamgraha
' (Devnagari: द्रव्यसंग्रह) (Compendium of substances) is a 10th-century Jain text in Jain Sauraseni Prakrit by Acharya Nemicandra belonging to the Digambara Jain tradition. It is a composition of 58 ''gathas'' (verses) ...
(Compendium of substances), a 10th-century Jain text by Acharya
Nemichandra
Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarty ( fl. 10th century) was the author of ''Dravyasamgraha'', ''Gommatsāra'' (''Jivakanda'' and ''Karmakanda''), ''Trilokasara'', ''Labdhisara'' and ''Kshapanasara''. He was among the most distinguished of the Jai ...
.
[ Nemichandra, p. 93]
Preparation
Nirjara is preceded by stoppage of karma accumulation, or ''
samvara
''Samvara'' (''saṃvara'') is one of the '' tattva'' or the fundamental reality of the world as per the Jain philosophy. It means stoppage—the stoppage of the influx of the material karmas into the soul consciousness. The karmic process in ...
'', thereby ending ''
asrava
''Asrava'' (''āsrava'' "influx") is one of the '' tattva'' or the fundamental reality of the world as per the Jain philosophy. It refers to the influence of body and mind causing the soul to generate karma.
The karmic process in Jainism is ...
'' or influx of karma which leads to ''
bandha'' or bondage due ''
kasaya'' or passions of the soul, namely, ''krodha'' (anger), ''lobha'' (greed), ''mana'' (ego) and ''
maya
Maya may refer to:
Civilizations
* Maya peoples, of southern Mexico and northern Central America
** Maya civilization, the historical civilization of the Maya peoples
** Maya language, the languages of the Maya peoples
* Maya (Ethiopia), a populat ...
'' (deceit), besides ''
raaga
A ''raga'' or ''raag'' (; also ''raaga'' or ''ragam''; ) is a melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music akin to a melodic mode. The ''rāga'' is a unique and central feature of the classical Indian music tradition, and as ...
'' (attachment) and ''dvesa'' (hatred). ''
Dravyasamgraha
' (Devnagari: द्रव्यसंग्रह) (Compendium of substances) is a 10th-century Jain text in Jain Sauraseni Prakrit by Acharya Nemicandra belonging to the Digambara Jain tradition. It is a composition of 58 ''gathas'' (verses) ...
'' explains that the soul becomes dim due to the dust of karmic matter, thus nirjara itself offers a way to clear the soul, and ultimately leading to
moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriology, ...
, liberation.
[
]
Types of Nirjara
Nirjara is of two types, ''Bhava Nirjara'', modification of soul which leads to separation of karmic matter from the soul, and ''Dravya Nirjara'', actual separation of karmic matter from the soul. In turn, ''bhava nirjara'' is of two types, ''Savipaka'' and ''Avipaka''.[ Nemichandra, p. 94]
''Savipaka Nirjara''
Savipaka - Passive Method - Also known as ''Akam'' or unintentional
''Unintentional'' is a 2021 Nigerian romantic drama film directed by Olufemi Bamigbetan, written by Zeina Otonjo, produced by Obinna Okerekeocha and Bola Atta as Executive Producer and stars Efa Iwara, Omowumi Dada and Beverly Osu
Unintentional ...
''Nirjara'', equanimous submission to the fruition of karma, and involves natural maturing of past Karma, in due course of time and experiencing the results, both good and bad with equanimity. If the fruits of the past karmas are not received without attachment or agitation then the soul earns fresh karmic bondages. It is also not possible for the soul to know beforehand when and which karma will start to produce results and therefore require good discipline in practicing equanimity under all circumstances.
This passive method of exhaustion of karmic matter around the soul, after enjoyment of its fruits, is compared with emptying of a pond through evaporation, while water channels are still pouring in. Naturally it is a slow method, as by the time karmas become ripe and are exhausted, new karmas fill in, as karmic matter is constantly pouring into the ''karma sharira'' (karmic body), through asrava
''Asrava'' (''āsrava'' "influx") is one of the '' tattva'' or the fundamental reality of the world as per the Jain philosophy. It refers to the influence of body and mind causing the soul to generate karma.
The karmic process in Jainism is ...
, influx of karma. Thus to achieve liberation, the active method of purging off karma, ''avipaka nirjara'' is advised.[ Jainism. p. 50]
''Avipaka Nirjara''
Avipaka - Active Method - Also known as ''Sakam'' or intentional ''Nirjara'', it involves individual exertion of ascetic
Asceticism (; from the el, ἄσκησις, áskesis, exercise', 'training) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their p ...
practices, by practicing internal and external austerities, like penances or tapas
A tapa () is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal, and can be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as ''chopitos'', which are battered, fried baby squid, or patatas bravas). In some ...
, literally meaning heat, so as to accelerate the ripening process as well as reducing the effects produced. This is recommended approach as it prepares and conditions the soul and reminds it to be vigilant. Tapas is of two kinds, ''bahya'' or external, and ''antaranga'' or internal.[
]
''Bahya tapas''
The ''Bahya'' or ''bahiranga tapa'', external austerities are meant to discipline the sensual cravings, and prepares the person for internal austerities, which come next.
# ''Anasana'' - Fasting, purifies sense organs, lessens sense of attachment to bodily enjoyments
# ''Avamodarya'' or ''Alpahara'' - Eating less than one's normal diet, removed laziness/lethargy and brings in fresh energy to the mind
# ''Vritti parisankhyana'' or ''Vrita sankshepa'' - Restriction of certain kinds or number of food
# ''Rasa parityaga'' -Daily renunciation of one or more of 6 kinds of ''Rasas'' delicacies: ghee
Ghee is a type of clarified butter, originating from India. It is commonly used in India for cooking, as a traditional medicine, and for religious rituals.
Description
Ghee is typically prepared by simmering butter, which is churned from c ...
(butter, clarified butter), milk, curd, sugar, salt, oil. Abstention from tasty and stimulating food
# ''Vivikta shayyasana'' - Sleeping in a lonely place, practicing solitude and introspection
# ''Kaya-klesha'' - Bodily Endurance, practicing body austerities to get over attachment to bodily comfort [
At some places, alternative to this list include, ''Ichhanirodha'', control of desire for food and material things.
]
''Antaranga tapas''
The ''antaranga tapa'', internal austerities which follow are:
# ''Prayaschita'' - Atonement
Atonement (also atoning, to atone) is the concept of a person taking action to correct previous wrongdoing on their part, either through direct action to undo the consequences of that act, equivalent action to do good for others, or some other ex ...
/penance for sinful acts
# ''Vinaya'' - Practice politeness and humility
# ''Vaiyavritya'' - Service to others, especially monks, nuns, elders and the weaker souls without any expectations in return
# ''Swadhyaya'' - Self-study, scriptural study, questioning and expanding the spiritual knowledge
# ''Vyutsarga'' - Abandonment of passions - especially anger, ego, deceit and greed, distinction between body and soul
# ''Dhyana'' - Meditation and contemplation
All the first five internal austerities and all six external austerities are preparatory steps for the practice of dhyana
Dhyana may refer to:
Meditative practices in Indian religions
* Dhyana in Buddhism (Pāli: ''jhāna'')
* Dhyana in Hinduism
* Jain Dhyāna, see Jain meditation
Other
*''Dhyana'', a work by British composer John Tavener (1944-2013)
* ''Dhyana'' ...
, which is the primary cause of moksha.[
For layman the journey begins with practicing the ]Triple gems of Jainism
Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (''Samyak Darshana''), right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and right conduct (''Samyak Charitra'') — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the tripl ...
, ''Ratnatraya
Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (''Samyak Darshana''), right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and right conduct (''Samyak Charitra'') — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the tripl ...
'', namely Right View
View or position (Pali ', Sanskrit ') is a central idea in Buddhism. In Buddhist thought, a view is not a simple, abstract collection of propositions, but a charged interpretation of experience which intensely shapes and affects thought, sensati ...
or perception (''Samyak Darshana''), Right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and Right conduct (''Samyak Charitra''), which constitute the path to liberation. The monks in Jainism, who have dedicated their lives to achieve, moksha and acquiring the '' Kevala Jnana'', absolute knowledge, however go on to take the five ''Mahavrata
Jain ethical code prescribes two ''dharmas'' or rules of conduct. One for those who wish to become ascetic and another for the ''śrāvaka'' (householders). Five fundamental vows are prescribed for both votaries. These vows are observed by '' ...
'', literally Great Vows, of self-control:
# Non-violence
Nonviolence is the personal practice of not causing harm to others under any condition. It may come from the belief that hurting people, animals and/or the environment is unnecessary to achieve an outcome and it may refer to a general philosoph ...
(Ahimsa
Ahimsa (, IAST: ''ahiṃsā'', ) is the ancient Indian principle of nonviolence which applies to all living beings. It is a key virtue in most Indian religions: Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.Bajpai, Shiva (2011). The History of India ...
)
# Truth (Satya
''Satya'' (Sanskrit: सत्य; IAST: ''satya)'' is a Sanskrit word loosely translated as truth, essence. A. A. Macdonell, ''Sanskrit English Dictionary'', Asian Educational Services, , pp. 330–331 It also refers to a virtue in Indian relig ...
)
# Non-stealing (Asteya
''Achourya'' (Sanskrit: अचौर्यः, IAST: Acauryaḥ ) or ''Asteya'' (Sanskrit: अस्तेय; IAST: ''asteya'') is the Sanskrit term for "non-stealing". It is a virtue in Hinduism . The practice of ''asteya'' demands that one mus ...
)
# Chastity (Brahmacharya
''Brahmacharya'' (; sa, ब्रह्मचर्य ) is a concept within Indian religions that literally means to stay in conduct within one's own Self. In Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism it generally refers to a lifestyle charac ...
)
# Non-possession/Non-attachment
Nonattachment, non-attachment, or detachment is a state in which a person overcomes their emotional attachment to or desire for things, people or worldly concerns and thus attains a heightened perspective. It is considered a wise virtue and ...
(Aparigraha
Non-possession (aparigraha ( sa, अपरिग्रह)) is a philosophy that holds that no one or anything possesses anything. ln Jainism, aparigraha is the virtue of non-possessiveness, non-grasping or non-greediness.Arti Dhand (2002), The d ...
) .[ Singh, p. 4526]
Apart from that, the monks also practices, three ''Guptis'' and five ''Samitis''. Three Restraints (''Gupti''), i.e., Control of the mind (Managupti), Control of speech (Vacanagupti), Control of body (Kayagupti); and Five Carefulness (Samiti) i.e. Carefulness while walking (Irya Samiti), Carefulness while communicating (Bhasha Samiti), Carefulness while eating (Eshana Samiti), Carefulness while handling their fly-whisks, water gourds, etc. (Adana Nikshepana Samiti), Carefulness while disposing of bodily waste matter (Pratishthapana Samiti)
According to Umaswati
Umaswati, also spelled as Umasvati and known as Umaswami, was an Indian scholar, possibly between 2nd-century and 5th-century CE, known for his foundational writings on Jainism. He authored the Jain text ''Tattvartha Sutra'' (literally '"All Tha ...
in ''Tattvartha Sutra
''Tattvārthasūtra'', meaning "On the Nature 'artha''of Reality 'tattva'' (also known as ''Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra'' or ''Moksha-shastra'') is an ancient Jain text written by ''Acharya (Jainism), Acharya'' Umaswami in Sanskrit, somet ...
'' 10.1.2, '' Kevala Jnana'', absolute knowledge or Omniscience
Omniscience () is the capacity to know everything. In Hinduism, Sikhism and the Abrahamic religions, this is an God#General conceptions, attribute of God. In Jainism, omniscience is an attribute that any individual can eventually attain. In B ...
, comes only after, the Mohaniya karma are first destroyed, followed by Jnanavaraniya karma, Darsanavarana karma and Antaraya karma. However after attaining the ''Kevala jnana'', the causes of bandha, bondage end, thus the influx of Karma, asrava
''Asrava'' (''āsrava'' "influx") is one of the '' tattva'' or the fundamental reality of the world as per the Jain philosophy. It refers to the influence of body and mind causing the soul to generate karma.
The karmic process in Jainism is ...
, ends as well, thus the person is freed from the Aghatiya karmas namely, Ayu karma, Nama karma, Gotra karma and Vedaniya karma, which cause worldly existence. Emptied of karma the person attains liberation.[ Nemichandra, p. 97]
See also
* Types of Karma (Jainism)
Notes
References
*
*
*
*
*
External links
Nirjara or Dissipation
{{Jainism topics
Jain philosophical concepts
Asceticism