Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

In Jainism, the ratnatraya, or Three Jewels, are essential for spiritual liberation. These are right faith (samyagdarshana), right knowledge (samyagjnana), and right conduct (samyakcharitra). None of these can exist independently; all three are necessary to achieve moksha, or eternal liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.12

The accumulation of karma, which are material particles generated by actions, impedes the soul's purification and freedom. Jain ethics, centered on the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa), guides individuals toward right conduct. This involves avoiding injury through body, mind, or speech, and is considered the highest form of religious practice.34

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.