Item 8 in Jain Ten Supreme Virtues

Supreme renunciation

Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession.

Position
8
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Especially Digambara Jains, with broader Jain ethical relevance
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Supreme renunciation

Source wording

Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession.

Practical meaning

Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Use of wealth
  • Self-control

Sources