Nine or Nav Tattvas

Author(s): Jaina Education
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 5

This karma determines the span of life in one birth or one life cycle, thus obscuring the soul's nature of eternal existence.
Summary
On the path of a spiritual progress, a person first destroys Darshan Mohaniya karma and attains Samyaktva (4th stage of Gunasthänak). Then he destroys Chäritra Mohaniya Karma and attains the stage of Vitaräga (12th stage). Then he destroys Jnänävaraniya, Darshanävaraniya, and Antaräya karma and attains Keval-jnän (infinite knowledge), Keval-darshana (infinite perception), and Anant-virya (infinite power and energy). This stage is called Kevali or Arihant (13th stage).
A Kevali attains liberation only after all Aghäti karmas are destroyed which occurs at the time of death. After nirvana, all Kevali souls are known as Siddhas. The Siddha state is a state of pure consciousness. It does not possess a physical body. The soul remains in this total blissful state forever.
Samvar (Stoppage of New Karma)
The process that stops new karma from attaching to the soul is called Samvar. This process is the opposite of Äsrava. It can be accomplished by the constant practice of:
• Right conviction and Right Knowledge of Reality (Samyaktva)
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Observance of Vows (Vratas)
Awareness or Spiritual-alertness (Virati)
Being Passionless (Akashaya)
Peacefulness of Mental, Verbal and Physical activities (Ayoga)
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57 Practical Ways of Samvar
Jain literature defines 57 practical ways, by which one can stop the influx of karma:
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5 types of Samitis (Carefulness in our activities)
3 types of Guptis (Restraints in our activities)
10 types of Yati Dharma (Religious Virtues)
12 types of Bhävanä (Reflections or Contemplations)
22 types of Parishaha (Endurance of Suffering with equanimity)
5 types of Chäritra (Conduct)
Five Samitis (Carefulness in our activities)
Samiti means carefulness or continuous awareness of all our activities with special attention towards nonviolence.
Iryä Samiti
Bhäshä Samiti Eshanä Samiti
Proper care in walking
Proper care in speaking
Proper care in taking Gochari (receiving food)
Ädäna Nikshepa Samiti Proper care in taking and keeping any
items
Proper care in disposing waste
Utsarga Samiti
Three Guptis (Restraints in our activities)
Restriction of non-virtuous activities of mind, speech and body is called Gupti, which is an important aspect of Samvar.
Mano Gupti
Proper control over Mind