How to reduce Karma in Jainism

Jain philosophy teaches that karma is a subtle matter that binds to the soul due to actions driven by passions and attachments. To reduce karma, one must engage in practices that prevent new karmic influx and eliminate existing karmas. This is achieved primarily through right conduct (Samyak Charitra), which includes strict adherence to non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). These ethical disciplines help in stopping the influx of new karmas.

Additionally, ascetic practices such as fasting, meditation, and penance are crucial for burning off accumulated karmas. The soul’s purification process involves intense self-discipline and detachment from worldly desires, which weakens the karmic bonds. The ultimate goal is to attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience) by completely shedding all karmas, leading to liberation (Moksha).

Texts like those by J C Sikdar and Dhirajlal Mehta emphasize the importance of personal effort (Purushartha) combined with understanding karma’s nature to effectively reduce it. The spiritual journey in Jainism is thus a continuous process of self-purification and ethical living to minimize karmic bondage.