Asrava means the inflow or entering of karmic particles into the soul. In simple words: our passions, desires, and wrong deeds attract karmic particles to stick to the soul, which binds it and slows spiritual progress.

In Jain teaching, this influx is something we can reduce or stop (samvara) by living with right faith, right conduct, and right understanding. There are variations in how Digambar and Shwetambar traditions describe the details, but the basic idea—karmic particles sticking to the soul because of our thoughts and actions—is common to both.