Understanding Karma and Its Processes
In Jainism, karma isn’t just a metaphor but an actual subtle matter that binds with the soul. There are four fundamental processes of karma:
- Ashrav (Influx) – Karma approaches the soul.
- Bandh (Bonding) – Karma sticks to the soul.
- Samvar (Stopping) – Incoming karma is stopped.
- Nirjara (Shedding) – The bonded karma is destroyed.
In this episode, we focus deeply on Nirjara — the fourth and most liberating step.
What Is Karma Nirjara?
Karma nirjara is the process where previously bonded karma leaves the soul. This happens in two ways:
- Akalpit Nirjara (Passive Shedding): Without conscious effort. When we experience the results of past karmas (good or bad), and they naturally dissolve after their effect.
- Sakalpit Nirjara (Active Shedding): With conscious effort. Through self-discipline and austerities (tapas), we deliberately burn off karma.
The Timeline of Karma (Nishedh Rachna)
Karmas have a timeline – a sequence in which they mature and give results. Some karmas are already set to manifest soon (you can’t alter these), while others lie dormant in the future — those can be destroyed through spiritual practices.
There are three types of karma intensity:
- Sthir (Loose): Easily detached.
- Niddhat (Firm): Requires effort to remove.
- Nikachit (Bound for Life): Cannot be destroyed — must be fully experienced.
12 Types of Tapas (Austerities) for Karma Nirjara
Jain philosophy offers 12 powerful austerities to dissolve karma, divided into external and internal.
1. External Austerities (Bahya Tapas):
- Anshan (Fasting): Short-term or lifetime fasts (like Sallekhana).
- Unodari (Eating Less): Leaving the stomach partially empty.
- Vrutti-Sankshep (Limiting Desires): Reducing possessions and consumption.
- Ras-Tyag (Abandoning Tastes): Giving up rich foods and delicacies.
- Prati-Sanlinata (Sense Control): Withdrawing from sensual pleasures.
- Kaya-Klesh (Physical Endurance): Tolerating physical discomfort through posture and discipline.
2. Internal Austerities (Abhyantar Tapas):
- Prayaschit (Repentance): Feeling and correcting past mistakes.
- Vinay (Humility): Respect toward all life and spiritual elders.
- Vaiyavachch (Selfless Service): Helping others without expectations.
- Swadhyay (Scriptural Study): Studying religious texts.
- Dhyan (Meditation): Deep inner focus.
- Kaushagg (Detachment from Body): Total disidentification from the physical self.
These twelve austerities, if practiced sincerely, cleanse the soul from within and lead one toward liberation.
Can All Karma Be Destroyed?
Not all karmas are equal:
- Sthir and Niddhat karmas can be destroyed through austerities.
- Nikachit karmas are fixed and must be experienced fully — no spiritual practice can erase them.
If someone has a lifelong disability, incurable illness, or irreversible misfortune — that’s Nikachit karma at play. Even divine intervention or rituals can’t remove it. Only future karmas can be transformed.
Important Clarification: Punya vs Nirjara
Many believe that someone else’s prayers or rituals can remove their bad karma. That’s a myth. While others’ good deeds can generate Punya (merit) for you, they cannot lead to Nirjara. Only your own actions can destroy your karmas.
You bind your karma.
You must endure or destroy it.
No one else can do that for you.
Conclusion: Liberation Through Self-Effort
Karma Nirjara is not just a concept — it’s a science of self-purification. It teaches:
- That you alone are responsible for your karmic baggage.
- That austerity, awareness, and discipline are the tools to cleanse it.
- That liberation (moksha) is possible only when karma is fully shed.
So fast, meditate, serve, repent, read, reflect — but do it yourself.
Because in the journey of the soul, no one else can walk your path for you.