Philosophical overview
''Saṃvara'' is the first step in the destruction of accumulated harmful karmas. The world or the '' samsara'' is often described as an ocean and the soul as a boat trying to cross it and reach the shores of liberation. The boat is leaking i.e. karmic particles are getting attached to the soul. Hence the first step is to stop the leak and prevent new water from entering the boat. This is ''saṃvara''. Jains assert that emancipation is not possible as long as the soul remains unreleased from the bondage of these karmas. Release is made possible by ''saṃvara''; that is, the stopping of inflow of new karmas, and ''nirjarā''; the shedding of existing harmful karma through conscious efforts.Means of ''saṃvara''
''Samvara'' or stoppage of karmic influx is achieved through practice of: #Three ''guptis'' or three controls of mind, speech and body, #Five ''samitis'' or observing carefulness in movement, speaking, eating, placing objects and disposing refuse. #Ten ''dharmas'' or observation of good acts like – forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, truthfulness, self-control, penance, renunciation, non-attachment and continence.Bhattacharya, H. S. (1976) p. 46 #'' Anuprekshas'' or meditation on the truths of this universe. #''Pariṣahajaya'', that is, a man on moral path must develop a perfectly patient and unperturbed attitude in the midst of trying and difficult circumstances. #''Cāritra'', that is, endeavour to remain in steady spiritual practices.Bhattacharya, H. S. (1976) p. 47See also
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