Kashaya and Nokashaya

Kashaya (Passions) – The Root of Bondage

Introduction to Kashaya

Kashaya refers to the internal passions that lead to the bondage of karma and hinder the path to liberation. They are the root cause of attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha), keeping the soul trapped in the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Jain philosophy states that Kashayas are the primary reasons for karma accumulation, and they must be eliminated to attain moksha (liberation).

Four Major Types of Kashaya (Passions)

Kashayas are classified into four main categories, each causing different intensities of karmic bondage:

1. Krodha (Anger)

• Arises from frustration, hatred, and aggression.

• Leads to hostility, conflicts, and destruction of peace.

• Prevents spiritual progress by creating disturbances in the mind.

2. Mana (Pride/Ego)

• Comes from arrogance, self-importance, and superiority.

• Causes one to belittle others and remain attached to false prestige.

• Leads to karmic bondage by strengthening delusion (moha).

3. Maya (Deceit)

• Prevents one from attaining Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan).

• Involves dishonesty, manipulation, and cunning behavior.

• Leads to unethical actions, harming both oneself and others.

4. Lobha (Greed)

• Represents excessive desire for material wealth, pleasures, and power.

• Creates deep attachment (raga), leading to rebirth in lower realms.

• Considered the strongest Kashaya, as it encompasses all others.

Four Sub-Divisions of Each Kashaya

Each of the four main Kashayas is further classified into four levels, based on their intensity and impact:

1. Anantānubandhi Kashaya (Endless-Binding Passion)

• Creates an endless chain of passion.

• The strongest type of Kashaya, leading to rebirth in lower realms.

• Destroys Right Faith (Samyak Darshan).

• Biggest obstacle to moksha.

2. Apratyakhyānavaraniya Kashaya (Non-Renouncing Passion)

• Prevents a person from taking partial vows (Desh-Virati).

• Leads to continued indulgence in worldly pleasures.

• Causes delays in progressing toward asceticism.

3. Pratyakhyānavaraniya Kashaya (Renouncing Obstacle Passion)

• Stops a person from adopting complete renunciation (Sarvavirati).

• Even after taking vows, a person struggles to follow them properly.

• Causes lack of commitment to spiritual discipline.

4. Sanjwalan Kashaya (Flaring Passion)

• The mildest form of Kashaya.

• Causes slight emotional disturbances.

• Present even in higher-level ascetics.

• Restrains one from obtaining Veetragata (detachment) and omniscience.

Nokashaya (Minor Passions)

Some emotions trigger Kashayas, and there are nine Nokashayas. Kashaya and Nokashaya are part of Charitra Mohaniya Karma, which restricts Jeeva from Samyak Charitra.

Hasyadi Shatak (Six Primary Emotions)

Jain philosophy mentions six secondary emotions, which influence human behavior. These emotions are known as Hasyadi Shatak:

1. Hasya (Laughter) – The tendency to mock or ridicule others.

2. Rati (Delight/Liking) – Attachment to pleasurable experiences.

3. Arati (Dislike/Aversion) – Dissatisfaction with unfavorable situations.

4. Shoka (Sorrow/Grief) – Excessive sadness due to attachment or loss.

5. Bhaya (Fear) – Anxiety about pain, death, or suffering.

6. Jugupsa (Disgust) – Extreme revulsion or hatred.

Although these emotions are milder than Kashayas, they still bind karma and must be controlled for spiritual progress.

Three Vedas (त्रयो वेदाः) in Jain Philosophy

In Jain philosophy, the term Three Vedas (त्रयो वेदाः) refers to the fundamental causes of sexual desires and attraction. These Vedas arise due to past karmic impressions and influence human emotions and attachments. They are:

1. Purush Veda (पुरुष वेद) – The inclination towards women.

2. Stree Veda (स्त्री वेद) – The inclination towards men.

3. Napunsak Veda (नपुंसक वेद) – The inclination towards both men and women or attraction beyond traditional gender distinctions.

These inclinations are considered forms of bondage in Jain philosophy, keeping the soul entangled in the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).

Descriptions of Three Vedas

• Purush Veda is compared to a blazing fire—intense, flaring up quickly, but also subsiding rapidly.

• Stree Veda is like a fire in cow dung cakes—it does not flare up suddenly but smolders gradually over time.

• Napunsak Veda is described as a forest fire (दावानल)—both intense and long-lasting.

Understanding and transcending these Vedas through Brahmacharya (celibacy) and self-discipline is essential for spiritual progress and liberation.

Conclusion

Kashayas are the greatest obstacles to liberation, and their control is essential for karma purification (nirjara). By overcoming Anantānubandhi and other severe passions, practicing Hasyadi control, and aligning with Dharma Veda, a soul progresses on the path of moksha.

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Exercise

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which Kashaya is considered the strongest? a) Krodha (Anger)
   b) Mana (Pride)
   c) Lobha (Greed)
   d) Maya (Deceit)

2. What does Jugupsa mean? a) Fear
   b) Disgust
   c) Laughter
   d) Anger

3. Which Veda is compared to a forest fire? a) Purush Veda
   b) Stree Veda
   c) Napunsak Veda
   d) None of the above

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. The four primary Kashayas are _____, _____, _____, and _____.

2. ______ Veda is compared to a blazing fire due to its intense nature.

3. _______ (emotion) prevents one from attaining Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnan).

C. Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the difference between Kashaya and Nokashaya.

2. Describe the four types of Kashayas with examples.

3. How does controlling Kashayas and Vedas help in attaining Moksha?

Thanks, Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)