Jainism

Self-Reliance in Liberation

Each soul must achieve its own liberation; no external savior can grant it.

Unlike theistic religions, Jainism teaches that liberation must be achieved through one's own effort. No god or teacher can grant liberation - each soul must walk the path independently.

You alone are your own savior; work out your liberation with diligence.

Mahavira, Acharanga Sutra

Jain liberation is achieved through personal effort, not divine grace.

Self-Liberation

Written about in

  • What Jainism says about forgiveness

    This is the cold part. Jainism has no god who absolves, and Mahavira's instruction is that you are your own savior. Being forgiven by the person you injured does not remove the karma you bound — only your own shedding does, which makes Jain forgiveness closer to hygiene than to reconciliation.