Sakshi bhav vs Madhyast bhav

In Jain philosophy, Sakshi bhav is the state of the soul as the pure, detached observer (witness) of all activities and phenomena without any involvement or modification. It represents the true nature of the self, which is unchanging and unaffected by external or internal events. On the other hand, Madhyast bhav is an intermediate state where the soul is partially engaged or identified with the activities it witnesses. This state reflects a transitional condition where the soul is neither fully absorbed in the worldly interactions nor completely detached as in Sakshi bhav. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for spiritual progress, as the ultimate goal is to realize and abide in Sakshi bhav, transcending Madhyast bhav, thereby attaining liberation. This differentiation aligns with Jain concepts of Jñānāvaraṇīya (knowledge-obscuring) and Ghātiyā (destructive) karmas that obscure the soul's pure witnessing nature.