adharma

Jainism

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July 23, 2026

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In Jainism, adharma is a fundamental concept representing the ontological principle of rest. It is one of the five astikayas, or eternal categories of being, that constitute the substance of existence in Jain philosophy. Unlike dharma, which is the medium that allows beings to move, adharma enables them to stop moving. This concept is distinct from its usage in Hinduism, where it can refer to individual disharmony with the nature of things.12

The ultimate goal in Jainism is the purification of the soul and its liberation (moksha) from physical bodies. This liberation is hindered by the accumulation of karmas, which are material particles generated by actions that bind the soul to cycles of rebirth. Jain ethics, centered on the Three Jewels of right knowledge, faith, and practice, emphasize nonviolence (ahimsa) as the highest form of religious practice to mitigate the influx of karma.34

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ajiva
…which makes motion possible,” (3) adharma, “that which makes rest possible,” and (4) pudgala, “matter.” Pudgala consists of atoms; is eternal yet subject to change and development; is both gross (that which it is possible to see) and subtle (that which cannot be perceived by the senses). The invisible karma…
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…which makes motion possible,” (3) adharma, “that which makes rest possible,” and (4) pudgala, “matter.” Pudgala consists of atoms; is eternal yet subject to change and development; is both gross (that which it is possible to see) and subtle (that which cannot be perceived by the senses). The invisible karma…
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dravya
five are dharma, adharma, akasha, pudgala, and jiva. Dharma is both a moral virtue and, in a meaning unique to Jainism, the medium that allows beings to move. Adharma, the medium of rest, enables beings to stop moving. Akasha, the space in which everything exists, is separated in…
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five are dharma, adharma, akasha, pudgala, and jiva. Dharma is both a moral virtue and, in a meaning unique to Jainism, the medium that allows beings to move. Adharma, the medium of rest, enables beings to stop moving. Akasha, the space in which everything exists, is separated in…
Read More