Here are the main reasons (causes) why Mohaniya karma binds the soul in Jainism:

• Ignorance and delusion (Ajnana): Not knowing the true nature of selves, karma, and the path leads to misperceptions and mental confusion, which binds Mohaniya karma.
• Unrestricted passions (kama) and mental impurities: Strong emotions and desires—primarily moha (delusion) along with anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mana), and envy (matsarya)—binds this deluding karma.
• Attachment to worldly objects and pleasures: Clinging to people, objects, status, and sensory enjoyments creates mental residues that Mohaniya karma captures.
• Incorrect beliefs and associations: Following wrong beliefs or associating with influences that distort right faith (samyak-darshan) and right knowledge (samyak-jnan) invites deluding karma.
• Lack of self-discipline and self-control: Weak restraint of senses, speech, and actions allows delusion to accumulate.
• Failure to practice right conduct and austerities: Neglecting regular spiritual disciplines (like mindfulness, reflection, and harmless conduct) permits the growth of delusional karma.
• Association with non-saintly company or environments: Keeping company with people or situations that inflame passions can strengthen Mohaniya binding.
• Repeated misdeeds without repentance: Ongoing harmful actions driven by delusion reinforce and replenish the deluding karma.
• Internal false narratives about the self: Persistent false views about one’s own importance, permanence, or separateness from the world feed Mohaniya’s grip.

Key point: Mohaniya karma binds when the mind is overwhelmed by delusion and passions, obscuring true knowledge and causing supportive actions (speech and body) that reinforce worldly bondage. The antidote is cultivating samyak-darshan (right faith), samyak-jnan (right knowledge), and samyak-charitra (right conduct) along with disciplined meditation and penance to gradually erode and remove this deluding karma. In Digambar and Shwetambar traditions, the essential understanding of Mohaniya as the deluding karma is consistent; the practical emphasis is on purifying the mind and steadfast ethical practice.