Arjav Dharma: The Soul's Practice of Simplicity
The third step of Das Lakshan Dharma Parva is Uttam Arjav Dharma, the symbol of the soul's simplicity, freedom from deceit, and transparency within.
Das Lakshan Parva 2026
Ten virtues and two more days · 12 of 12 written
Summary · AI
- Arjav Dharma removes the passion of deceit: simplicity of mind, speech and body, with no crookedness.
- To be outwardly what one is inwardly is arjav; deceit tangles the soul and adds to its bondage.
- In practice it means transparency: a plain life, without pretence, excuses or double-dealing.
This summary was written by AI and may contain mistakes; the article itself is authoritative.
This is an English translation of the original Hindi. Translation may have changed the meaning a little; the Hindi original is the authoritative version.
Dear all,
Om Namah.
Salutations to Dev, Shastra and Guru.
Today is the day of Uttam Arjav Dharma.
(The third quality of Das Lakshan Dharma Parva)
The third step of Das Lakshan Dharma Parva is Uttam Arjav Dharma, the symbol of the soul’s simplicity, its freedom from deceit, and the transparency of the inner self. This dharma is the practice of a threefold straightforwardness of mind, speech and body, through which the soul is freed from deceit, hypocrisy and crookedness and moves forward on the path to liberation.
The Word “Arjav” and Its Essential Meaning
The word arjav comes from the Sanskrit root riju, meaning straight, simple, without deceit.
The Rajavartika says:
“योगस्यावक्रता आर्जवम्” (yogasyavakrata arjavam): the absence of crookedness in one’s activities (yoga) is arjav.
That is, there should be no deceit, trickery or crookedness in mind, speech or body.
The Vijayodaya commentary on the Bhagavati Aradhana says:
“आकृष्टांतद्वयसूत्रवद्वक्रताभावः आर्जवम्”: just as a thread becomes straight when both its ends are pulled, simplicity comes when deceit is removed from the mind.
The Padmanandi Panchavimshatika (verse 89) says:
“हृदि यत्तद्वाचि बहिः फलति तदेवार्जवं भवत्येतत्”: when the thought in the heart shows itself in the same way in speech and in action, that is arjav.
The Importance of Arjav Dharma in the Jain Agamas
In Jain philosophy, Arjav Dharma is considered essential for purifying the soul.
In the Tattvartha Sutra (9/6), Acharya Umaswami says:
“आर्जवम् ऋजुभावः” (arjavam rijubhavah): the feeling of straightforwardness is arjav.
The Kartikeyanupreksha (verse 396) describes it:
“The monk who does not think crooked thoughts, does not do crooked deeds and does not speak crooked words holds Arjav Dharma.”
The Uttaradhyayana Sutra calls arjav an essential condition of right conduct, because as long as the mind is gripped by deceit, the soul cannot be purified.
The Place of Arjav in Das Lakshan Dharma Parva
On the third day of Das Lakshan Dharma Parva, Uttam Arjav Dharma is especially worshipped.
This day inspires the seeker to look within: Are my thoughts, words and deeds one and the same? Do I say what I think, and do what I say?
The purpose of this festival is:
- to recognize the crookedness of the mind
- to give up deceit in speech
- to end hypocrisy in action
It is an invitation for the soul to return to its original simplicity.
The Spiritual Side of Arjav Dharma
Arjav Dharma is not just practical honesty; it is the simplicity that lies in the depths of the soul.
This dharma brings the soul to a state where it can see itself without any covering: no show, no pretense.
The Bhagavati Aradhana (verses 1431–1435) says that the tendency to hide one’s faults is deceitful conduct (mayachari), and that deceit (maya) leads to birth among animals and other non-human beings (tiryanch).
So practicing Arjav Dharma gives the soul the strength to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
The Gyanarnava calls arjav the door to liberation, because it is simplicity that connects the soul with its true reality.
Arjav Dharma in Everyday Life
In today’s age, when show, deceit and self-display have become common, Arjav Dharma is a revolutionary practice.
It teaches us that true dharma is that which is simple from within, where there is no gap between thought, word and deed.
A person who practices Arjav Dharma deceives neither others nor themselves.
They live the transparency of the soul, and this very transparency leads toward liberation.
Practicing Arjav Dharma
On the third day of Das Lakshan Dharma Parva, the seeker should:
- examine the simplicity of their thoughts
- bring truthfulness and humility into their words
- keep sincerity and equanimity in their actions
- stay away from deceit, trickery and show
This practice returns the soul to its original nature: straightness (rijuta).
Conclusion: Arjav Dharma, the Simple Road to Liberation
Arjav Dharma is the state of the soul in which there is no duality.
This dharma teaches us that even though the road to liberation is complex, Arjav Dharma offers a straight footpath of simplicity, truthfulness and freedom from deceit.
As the Sarvarthasiddhi says:
“Without Arjav Dharma the soul’s course becomes crooked; simplicity alone gives it an upward course.”
Therefore, holding Arjav Dharma removes the kashaya of deceit (maya).
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