Nirjara
Encyclopedia
Nirjara is one of the nine fundamental principles, or Tattva
in Jain philosophy
, and refers to the shedding or destruction of accumulated karmas from the atma
(soul), essential for breaking free from samsara
, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth
, by achieving moksha
, liberation.
Literally meaning "falling off", the concept is described first in chapter 9 of the classical Jain text, Tattvartha Sutra
(True nature of Reality) written by Acharya Umasvati, in 2nd century CE, the only text authoritative in both Svetambara
and Digambara
sects of Jainism. . Later it also finds mention in Dravyasamgraha
(Compendium of substances), a 10th century Jain text by Acharya Nemichandra
.
, thereby ending asrava
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
(deceit), besides raaga (attachment) and dvesa (hatred). Dravyasamgraha
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
, liberation.
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
, influx of karma. Thus to achieve liberation, the active method of purging off karma, avipaka nirjara is advised.
, 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.
At some places, alternative to this list include, Ichhanirodha, control of desire for food and material things.
All the first five internal austerities and all six external austerities are preparatory steps for the practice of dhyana, which is the primary cause of moksha.
For layman the journey begins with practicing the Triple gems of Jainism
, Ratnatraya, namely Right View 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
, literally Great Vows, of self control:
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
in Tattvartha Sutra
10.1.2, Kevala Jnana
, absolute knowledge or Omniscience
, 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
, 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.
Tattva (Jainism)
Jain metaphysics is based on seven truths or fundamental principles also known as tattva or navatattva, which are an attempt to explain the nature and solution to the human predicament. The first two are the two ontological categories of the soul jīva and the non-soul ajīva, namely the axiom that...
in Jain philosophy
Jain philosophy
Jain philosophy deals extensively with the problems of metaphysics, reality, cosmology, ontology, epistemology and divinity. Jainism is essentially a transtheistic religion of ancient India. It is a continuation of the ancient tradition which co-existed with the Vedic tradition since ancient...
, and refers to the shedding or destruction of accumulated karmas from the atma
Atman (Jainism)
The Atman is a philosophical term used within Jainism to identify the soul. It is one's true self beyond identification with the phenomenal reality of worldly existence...
(soul), essential for breaking free from samsara
Samsara (Jainism)
In Jainism, ' is the worldly life characterized by continuous rebirths and reincarnations in various realms of existence. is described as mundane existence, full of suffering and misery and hence is considered undesirable and worth renunciation. The is without any beginning and the soul finds...
, the cycle of birth-death and rebirth
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
, by achieving moksha
Moksa (Jainism)
' or Mokkha means liberation, salvation or emancipation of soul. It is a blissful state of existence of a soul, completely free from the karmic bondage, free from samsara, the cycle of birth and death. A liberated soul is said to have attained its true and pristine nature of infinite bliss,...
, liberation.
Literally meaning "falling off", the concept is described first in chapter 9 of the classical Jain text, Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra is a Jain text written by Acharya Umaswati. It was an attempt to bring together the different elements of the Jain path, epistemological, metaphysical, cosmological, ethical and practical, otherwise unorganized around the scriptures in an unsystematic format...
(True nature of Reality) written by Acharya Umasvati, in 2nd century CE, the only text authoritative in both Svetambara
Svetambara
The Śvētāmbara is one of the two main sects of Jainism, the other being the Digambar. Śvētāmbara "white-clad" is a term describing its ascetics' practice of wearing white clothes, which sets it apart from the Digambara "sky-clad" Jainas, whose ascetic practitioners go naked...
and Digambara
Digambara
Digambara "sky-clad" is one of the two main sects of Jainism. "Sky-clad" has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian religions. Many representations of deities within these traditions are depicted as sky-clad, e.g. Samantabhadra/Samantabhadrī in Yab-Yum...
sects of Jainism. . Later it also finds mention in Dravyasamgraha
Dravyasamgraha
' is a 10th century Jain text in Jain Sauraseni Prakrit by Acarya Nemicandra belonging to the Jain Digambara tradition...
(Compendium of substances), a 10th century Jain text by Acharya Nemichandra
Nemichandra
Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarty , was the celebrated author of Dravyasamgraha, Gomattasara , Triloksara, Labdhisara and Kshapanasara. He was among the most distinguished of the Jain Acharyas....
.
Preparation
Nirjara is preceded by stoppage of karma accumulation, or samvaraSamvara
Samvara 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 Jainism is based on seven truths or fundamental principles of Jainism which...
, thereby ending asrava
Asrava
Asrava 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....
or influx of karma which leads to bandha
Bandha
Bandha is a Sanskrit term for "binding, bond, arrest, capturing, putting together" etc.It may refer to:*a technical term in Hatha Yoga, see Bandha *one of the tattvas in Jainism, see Bandha -See also:...
or bondage due kasaya
Kashaya (Jainism)
In Jainism, Kashaya are aspects of a person that can be gained during his or her worldly life. According to the Jaina religion as long as a person has Kashayas, they will not escape the cycle of life and death...
or passions of the soul, namely, krodha (anger), lobha (greed), mana (ego) and maya
Maya (illusion)
Maya , in Indian religions, has multiple meanings, usually quoted as "illusion", centered on the fact that we do not experience the environment itself but rather a projection of it, created by us. Maya is the principal deity that manifests, perpetuates and governs the illusion and dream of duality...
(deceit), besides raaga (attachment) and dvesa (hatred). Dravyasamgraha
Dravyasamgraha
' is a 10th century Jain text in Jain Sauraseni Prakrit by Acarya Nemicandra belonging to the Jain Digambara tradition...
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
Moksa (Jainism)
' or Mokkha means liberation, salvation or emancipation of soul. It is a blissful state of existence of a soul, completely free from the karmic bondage, free from samsara, the cycle of birth and death. A liberated soul is said to have attained its true and pristine nature of infinite bliss,...
, 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 Dhrvaya Nirjara, actual separation of karmic matter from the soul. In turn, bhava nirjara is of two types, Savipaka and Avipaka.Savipaka Nirjara
Savipaka - Passive Method - Also known as Akam or 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 before-hand 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
Asrava 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....
, influx of karma. Thus to achieve liberation, the active method of purging off karma, avipaka nirjara is advised.
Avipaka Nirjara
Avipaka - Active Method - Also known as Sakam or intentional Nirjara, it involves individual exertion of ascetic practices, by practicing internal and external austerities, like penances or tapasTapas (Sanskrit)
Tapasya in Sanskrit means "heat". In Vedic religion and Hinduism, it is used figuratively, denoting spiritual suffering, mortification or austerity, and also the spiritual ecstasy of a yogin or tāpasá . In the Rigveda, the word is connected with the Soma cult...
, 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 for internal austerities, which come next.- Anasana - Fasting, purifies sense organs, lessens sens 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: gheeGheeGhee is a class of clarified butter that originated in South Asia and is commonly used in South Asian cuisine....
(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.
Antaraga tapas
The antaranga tapa, internal austerities which follow are:- Prayaschita - Atonement/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, which is the primary cause of moksha.
For layman the journey begins with practicing the Triple gems of Jainism
Triple gems of Jainism
Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya — the right vision or view , right knowledge and right conduct — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the triple gems of Jainism and hence also known as Ratnatraya...
, Ratnatraya, namely Right View 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
Kevala Jnana
In Jainism, ' or ' , "Perfect or Absolute Knowledge", is the highest form of knowledge that a soul can attain. A person who has attained is called a Kevalin, which is synonymous with Jina "victor" and Arihant "the worthy one"...
, absolute knowledge, however go on to take the five Mahavrata
Mahavrata
The Mahavratas are the five great vows Jain monks observe. They are:# Ahimsa # Satya # Asteya # Brahmacharya # Aparigraha...
, literally Great Vows, of self control:
- Non-violence (AhimsaAhimsa in JainismAhiṃsā in Jainism is a fundamental principle forming the cornerstone of its ethics and doctrine. The term "ahimsa" means “non-violence”, “non-injury” or absence of desire to harm any life forms. Vegetarianism and other non-violent practices and rituals of Jains flow from the principle of Ahiṃsā...
) - Truth (SatyaSatyaSatya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as "truth" or "correct". It is a term of power due to its purity and meaning and has become the emblem of many peaceful social movements, particularly those centered on social justice, environmentalism and vegetarianism.Sathya is also...
) - Non-stealing (AsteyaAsteyaAsteya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing". In Jainism, it is one of the five vows that all Śrāvakas and Śrāvikās as well as monastics must take....
) - Chastity (BrahmacharyaBrahmacharyaBrahmacharya is one of the four stages of life in an age-based social system as laid out in the Manu Smrti and later Classical Sanskrit texts in Hinduism. It refers to an educational period of 14–20 years which starts before the age of puberty. During this time the traditional vedic sciences are...
) - Non-possession/Non-attachment (AparigrahaAparigrahaAparigraha is the concept of non-possessiveness, being both a Jain concept and a part of the Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga traditions. The term usually means to limit possessions to what is necessary or important, which changes with the time period, though sadhus would not have any possessions.It is...
) .
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
Umaswami is the author of Tattvartha Sutra, the best-known Jaina text. The details of his life are controversial. He is claimed by both the Digambara and Svetambara sects. He is known as Acharya Umaswami , which is a title prefixed to the names of learned men.A mathematician, he is thought to...
in Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra is a Jain text written by Acharya Umaswati. It was an attempt to bring together the different elements of the Jain path, epistemological, metaphysical, cosmological, ethical and practical, otherwise unorganized around the scriptures in an unsystematic format...
10.1.2, Kevala Jnana
Kevala Jnana
In Jainism, ' or ' , "Perfect or Absolute Knowledge", is the highest form of knowledge that a soul can attain. A person who has attained is called a Kevalin, which is synonymous with Jina "victor" and Arihant "the worthy one"...
, absolute knowledge or Omniscience
Omniscience
Omniscience omniscient point-of-view in writing) is the capacity to know everything infinitely, or at least everything that can be known about a character including thoughts, feelings, life and the universe, etc. In Latin, omnis means "all" and sciens means "knowing"...
, 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
Bandha
Bandha is a Sanskrit term for "binding, bond, arrest, capturing, putting together" etc.It may refer to:*a technical term in Hatha Yoga, see Bandha *one of the tattvas in Jainism, see Bandha -See also:...
, bondage end, thus the influx of Karma, asrava
Asrava
Asrava 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....
, 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.