In Jainism, darshanavarniya karma is one of the eight main types of karmas (specifically one of the four ghatiya karmas, or destructive karmas). It is known as the "perception-obscuring karma" because it obstructs the soul's ability to perceive or have direct spiritual intuition (darshan).

Example of Darshanavarniya Karma:

Suppose a person is in the presence of a highly enlightened saint (an arihant or a kevali) or is hearing a profound spiritual discourse, but despite being in such an auspicious situation, the person feels no inspiration, faith, or even curiosity. Instead, he feels indifference, doubt, or even aversion toward the spiritual truth being presented. This inability to recognize or appreciate spiritual truths, even when directly exposed to them, is due to the bondage of darshanavarniya karma.

In everyday life:

• Someone is unable to perceive the true nature of reality or to distinguish between right and wrong spiritual paths, not because of a lack of intellect but due to the obstruction caused by darshanavarniya karma.
• A person who, despite having all senses functioning perfectly, remains spiritually blind or apathetic, lacking any faith or reverence toward the teachings of the Tirthankaras.

Types of Darshanavarniya Karma:

Darshanavarniya karma is further classified based on which type of perception it obscures:

• Chakshu darshanavarniya – Obscures visual perception (via eyes)
• Achakshu darshanavarniya – Obscures non-visual perception (other senses)
• Avadhi darshanavarniya – Obscures clairvoyant perception
• Keval darshanavarniya – Obscures omniscient perception

In summary:

An example of darshanavarniya karma is when a person, despite having the opportunity for spiritual upliftment, fails to develop faith, intuition, or spiritual perception due to the karmic obstruction on their soul.