Keval Darshan

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The term Keval Darshan (also spelled Kevala Darśana or Keval Darsan) comes from Jain philosophy. Let’s unpack it clearly:

🕉️ Meaning

• “Keval” means absolute, complete, or perfect.
• “Darshan” means perception, insight, or intuitive vision.
  So, Keval Darshan translates roughly to “Perfect Perception” or “Absolute Knowledge of Reality (through perception)”.

📘 In Jainism

In Jain metaphysics, the soul (jīva) has the potential for infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. These are obscured by karmic matter.

When the veil of karma partially lifts — but not completely — the soul attains Keval Darshan, which is perfect perception without yet full knowledge.

It’s one stage below Keval Jnana (Perfect Knowledge).

🔹 Stages of Spiritual Development (Gunasthanas)

Keval Darshan is associated with the higher stages of spiritual evolution:

• It arises when all Darshanavaraniya Karma (the karma that obscures perception) is destroyed.
• The next stage, Keval Jnana, occurs when all Jnanavaraniya Karma (the karma that obscures knowledge) is also destroyed — marking full omniscience.

🧘 Summary

Term	Meaning	Description
Darshan	Perception	The ability to intuitively perceive truth
Keval Darshan	Perfect Perception	Complete, unobstructed vision of reality
Keval Jnana	Perfect Knowledge	Infinite and complete knowledge (omniscience)

Would you like me to explain how one progresses from ordinary perception to Keval Darshan according to Jain philosophy?