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Tattvartha Sutra
In aphorism 9/19, the author mentions twelve types of austerities.
Jainism is possibly the only religion which puts great stress on austerities and states one may remove karma particles from one's soul (do Nirjara) by observing austerity. There are twelve types of austere practices and the first amongst these is fasting' Jains are well known for their strict fasting practices. During a day's fast, they not only refrain from eating, but drink only boiled water and that during day-light only. There are other small rules, which I will not explore because this will digress us from our discussion of penance. Suffice to say, the Jains respect tapasvis (those who undertake fasting) greatly and feel happy in serving them. Fasting and other forms of austere practices have been compared with fire which burns out karmas. One way of removing karma is the fire of penance which has a special place in Jainism. After explaining twelve types of such practices we turn to the tenth chapter of Tattvarthasutra.
The last chapter states and reaffirms some fundamental points in achieving Moksha or emancipation. In summary, the shedding and destroying of all karma is Moksha. Freedom from the shackles or chains of the karma bondage is the final goal of the subject and once that freedom is achieved, the soul becomes liberated and rests above the loka (universe) in final bliss.
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1:40 नमाआयाश्याप्र तमावझायण नमालाण्य-साह
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