The Tenfold Dharma (Dash Dharma) in Jainism

Introduction

Jainism teaches us to live a life of peace, kindness, and self-discipline. To help us walk on the right path, Jain philosophy describes ten important virtues, known as Dash Yati Dharma or  Dashlakshana Dharma (Tenfold Dharma). These virtues guide us to purify our soul and move closer to moksha (liberation). Tatwartha Sutra adds the adjective उत्तम with each Dharma. 

They help us control our negative emotions and develop good qualities like patience, honesty, and kindness. Let us explore these ten virtues with examples to understand how we can practice them in our daily lives.

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1. Kshama (क्षमा) – Forgiveness

Meaning: Being patient and forgiving others.

Sometimes, people may hurt us with their words or actions. Instead of getting angry or taking revenge, we should learn to forgive them. Forgiveness makes our heart light and helps us stay peaceful.

Example: Suppose your friend takes your pencil without asking. Instead of getting angry, you can calmly tell them that they should ask next time, and you can forgive them.

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2. Mardava (मार्दव) – Humility

Meaning: Being humble and not feeling proud.

Pride makes us feel that we are better than others. But a wise person knows that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Being humble helps us learn and grow.

Example: If you score the highest marks in a test, instead of boasting, you should remain humble and help others who need assistance in their studies.

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3. Arjava (आर्जव) – Straightforwardness

Meaning: Being honest and truthful in all situations. candidness. 

A person with this quality speaks and acts truthfully. They do not lie or trick others to get their way.

Example: If you accidentally break a cup at home, instead of hiding it, you should tell your parents honestly. They may be upset at first, but they will appreciate your honesty.

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4. Shaucha (शौच) – Purity

Meaning: Keeping our body and mind clean.

Purity is not just about taking a bath; it actually means keeping our thoughts, words, and actions pure. Good thoughts make us kind and happy.

Example: If a bad thought comes to your mind about a friend, try to replace it with a good thought, like remembering something nice they did for you.

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5. Satya (सत्य) – Truthfulness

Meaning: Always speaking and living by the truth.

Telling the truth makes us trustworthy. Even when it is difficult, we should choose honesty over lies.

Example: If you make a mistake in your homework, do not copy from a friend. Accept your mistake and learn from it.

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6. Sanyam (संयम) – Self-restraint

Meaning: Controlling our desires and emotions.

Self-restraint helps us avoid bad habits like eating too many sweets or getting angry quickly. It teaches us to stay in control of our actions.

Example: If you feel like watching TV for hours, but you have homework to do, practicing Sanyam means turning off the TV and focusing on your studies.

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7. Tap (तप) – Austerity

Meaning: Practicing discipline and facing difficulties calmly.

Tap means accepting hardships to make our soul stronger. It includes fasting, meditation, and giving up comforts for self-improvement.

Example: On Paryushan, Jains practice fasting or eat simple food. This helps in controlling desires and focusing on spirituality.

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8. Tyag (त्याग) – Renunciation

Meaning: Letting go of things we do not need.

Giving up unnecessary things makes us less attached to the material world. This helps in reducing greed and selfishness.

Example: Sharing your extra toys or clothes with someone in need instead of keeping them unused is an act of Tyag.

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9. Akinchanya (अकिंचन्य) – Non-possessiveness

Meaning: Not being attached to things.

This means that we should not be greedy or obsessed with material things. Simple living leads to peace of mind.

Example: Instead of always asking for new gadgets and clothes, being happy with what we have is practicing Akinchanya.

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10. Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) – Celibacy & Pure Living

Meaning: Maintaining purity in thoughts, words, and actions.

Brahmacharya helps us focus on learning and self-improvement instead of distractions.

Example: Instead of wasting time on mundane attractions, focusing on studies and spiritual growth is a way of practicing Brahmacharya.

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Conclusion

The Tenfold Dharma helps us become better individuals by guiding our thoughts, words, and actions. If we practice these virtues daily, we will not only become happier but also take a step closer to our spiritual goal – Moksha (liberation).

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Exercise

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does Kshama (Forgiveness) mean? a) Taking revenge on others
   b) Letting go of anger and forgiving others
   c) Ignoring people who hurt us
   d) Being proud of our mistakes

2. Which virtue teaches us to speak the truth? a) Tyag
   b) Satya
   c) Shaucha
   d) Tap

3. What is an example of practicing Tyag (Renunciation)? a) Eating sweets every day
   b) Watching TV for long hours
   c) Giving away extra toys to someone in need
   d) Keeping all your things for yourself

B. Fill in the Blanks

1. ________ means keeping our body and mind clean.

2. ________ teaches us not to be too attached to material things.

3. When we control our anger and desires, we practice ________.

C. Short Answer Questions

1. Explain why Mardava (Humility) is important.

2. Describe two ways you can practice Sanyam (Self-restraint) in daily life.

3. Why is Tap (Austerity) important in Jainism? Give one example.

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)