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Nine Tattvas (Principles)
Compiled by - Pravin K. Shah,
Jain Study Center of NC
The nine tattvas, or principles, is the single most important subject of Jain philosophy. It deals with the karma theory of Jainism, which provides the basis for the path of liberation. Without the proper knowledge of this subject, a person can not progress spiritually. The true faith and understanding of this subject brings about right faith (samyak-darshana), right knowledge (samyak-jnana), and right conduct in an individual.
Nine Tattvas (Principles):
1. Jiva 2. Ajiva 3. Asrava 4. Bandha 5. Punya* 6. Papa* 7. Samvara 8. Nirjara 9. Moksha
- soul or living being (Consciousness) - non-living substances - cause of the influx of karma - bondage of karma - virtue - sin - arrest of the influx of karma - exhaustion of the accumulated karma - total liberation from karma
* Punya and Papa are the diverse results of Asrava and Bandh. Some exponents of Jains do not treat them as separate tattvas. According to them, there are only seven principles instead of nine.
1. Jiva (soul) Substance:
Refer to article on Six Universal Substances for further details.
2. Ajiva (Non-living) Substances:
Refer to article on Six Universal Substances for further details.
3. Asrava (Cause of the influx of karma):
Asrava is the cause, which leads to the influx of good and evil karma which lead to the bondage of the soul. Asrava may be described as attraction in the soul toward sense objects. The following are causes of Asrava or influx of good and evil karma:
Mithyatva Avirati Pramada Kasaya Yoga 22
- ignorance - lack of self restraint - unawareness or unmindfulness - passions like anger, conceit, deceit, and lust - activities of mind, speech, and body
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