Kashaya (कषayah) are the four main passions that bind the soul in samsar (the cycle of birth and death) in Jainism. They arise from distorted perception and attachment, and they attract karmic influx (asrava).

• The four main Kashayas:

- Krodha (anger) - Mana (ego/pride) - Maya (deceit) - Lobha (greed)

• How they work:

- These passions are the primary causes of bondage. When they dominate, the soul accumulates karma and loses equanimity (samata) and correct conduct (samyak-charitra). They also fuel wrong belief (mithyatva) and hinder spiritual progress. The intensity and impact of each Kashaya can be classified into four levels (extremely severe to slight), and they can manifest in different forms under worldly life (raag) and aversion (dvesh). ( jainknowledge.com)

• No-kashayas (pseudo-passions):

- There are nine milder or secondary passions that trigger or accompany the main Kashayas (e.g., laughter, pleasure, fear, sorrow, etc.). They are not themselves the four Kashayas but are related as triggers or modifiers. ( jainworld.com)

• Causes and remedy (very brief):

- Kashayas arise with yoga (body, speech, mind actions) and with ignorance or Mithyatva (false belief). Reducing or removing Kashayas involves cultivating opposite virtues, practicing right vision/knowledge/conduct, and regular spiritual disciplines like Samayik (meditative discipline) and Pratikraman (reflection and repentance). ( jainworld.com)

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar note:

- Both traditions acknowledge the four primary Kashayas and their role in binding karma, though they may differ in emphasis on certain lists (e.g., inclusion of additional finer passions or how they express them in practice). The core teaching remains the same: subdue the four Kashayas to progress on the path to liberation. ( jainknowledge.com)

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