In Jain philosophy, life is a deep spiritual journey shaped by invisible yet powerful forces—Asrava and Nirjara. These two forces, according to Jain sages, keep a living being entangled in the never-ending cycle of birth and rebirth by binding karma to the soul. The unique and fascinating belief here is that the soul itself has a colour, and this colour changes depending on the type and intensity of karma particles attached to it.
The Eight Types of Karma and Soul Colouration
Jainism describes eight types of karma particles, each affecting the soul in different ways—such as knowledge-obscuring, perception-obscuring, and lifespan-determining karma. What’s even more interesting is that the combination of these karmas gives the soul a specific colour, making every soul unique in appearance on a subtle level.
This deeply symbolic approach sets Jainism apart from other Indian traditions like Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism, both of which acknowledge karma but don’t associate it with physical substance or soul colouration.
What Is Karma Made Of? Introducing Pudgal
Unlike most other spiritual systems, Jainism considers karma as physical matter, known as Pudgal. Pudgal exists in two forms:
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Gross Pudgal – tangible and visible (like food, bodies, or physical objects).
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Subtle Pudgal – intangible, invisible, and beyond human senses—this includes karma particles.
These subtle karmic particles flow into the soul through actions, emotions, and thoughts (Asrava) and are shed only through spiritual purification (Nirjara).
Understanding Yourself Through Indian Philosophy
To help individuals connect with this ancient wisdom in modern times, our platform Shikshanam has developed a unique personality test based on Sankhya philosophy. This test helps you understand your nature, tendencies, and spiritual personality.
If you’re dealing with emotional challenges or stress, we’ve also created a special emotional health module rooted in Indian philosophy, filled with actionable insights and guided activities for the fast-paced Indian lifestyle.
You’ll find all the relevant links and details in the comments and description section below.
Conclusion: A New Path to Inner Clarity
Jainism offers a powerful lens to understand not just the external world but the true nature of the soul, karma, and transformation. The idea that your soul has a colour shaped by your karmic load isn’t just metaphorical—it’s a call to introspect, cleanse, and elevate.
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Till we meet again in the next post—
Jai Shri Ram!