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Nirjara is the exhaustion of karmic matter already acquired.

The karmas exhaust themselves by producing their results when it is time for them to do so.Unless they are exhausted before they are mature and start producing results, it becomes difficult to be free. By that time, new karmic matter begins to pour in.Therefore, it becomes necessary for one who desires final liberation to exhaust all karmas before maturity.

This is called nirjara. Nirjara is to be done by rigorous austerities.

External Nirjara:

Anasan – complete abstinence of eating and drinking

Alpahara – reduction in the quantity of food one normally eats

Ichhanirodha – control of desire for food and material things

Rasatyaga – complete abstinence of eating or drinking juicy and tasty foods such as honey, alcohol, butter, milk, tea, sweets, juice etc. (no attachments to the taste of the foods)

Kayaklesa – control of passions by discipline

Samlinata – sitting in a lonely place in due posture with senses withdrawn Internal

Internal Nirjara:

Prayaschita – repentance for the breach of vows

Vinaya – appropriate behavior towards a teacher

Vaiyavrata – selfless service to the suffering and deserving

Svadhyaya – studying/listening of religious scriptures

Bhutsarga – non-attachment to the body

Subha-dhyana – religious meditation

Other posts of the series

1. Mohaniya Karma (May 17, 2012)
2. Nirjara - (This post) (May 18, 2012)
3. Gyanavarniya Karma (May 26, 2012)
4. Darshanvarniya Karma (May 27, 2012)
5. Vedaniya Karma (Feeling Pertaining Karma) (May 28, 2012)
6. Gotra Karma (May 29, 2012)
7. Ayusya Karma – Age-Determining Karma (May 30, 2012)
8. Antaraya Karma (June 1, 2012)
9. Nama Karma (June 2, 2012)