Karma bondage can be lessened and ultimately dissolved by steady purification of mind, speech, and body. In Jainism the path is clear: reduce inflow of new karma (samvar) and purify the accumulated karma (nirjara) through right conduct and regular self-purification.

Key ways to overcome or wash away old karma:

• Pratikraman (confession and repentance): Regularly acknowledge faults done by mind, speech, and body; seek forgiveness from all beings; resolve not to repeat them. This lightens karmic inflow and helps purify the soul. Shwetambar and Digambar traditions both hold pratikraman as essential, with different yearly/seasonal practices. You can read more here .
• Samayik, Kayotsarga, Pratyakhyana:

- Samayik (equanimity) for a fixed period daily helps steady the mind and reduce passions. - Kayotsarga (meditative withdrawal from bodily distractions) deepens detachment from the body and senses. - Pratyakhyana (renunciations) strengthens self-control and reduces karmic inflow. These practices together form a core avashyaka kit that purifies the self. See an overview here .

• Follow the five vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha) with strictness; restraint and truthful conduct minimize new karmic influx and gradually burn existing karma.
• Regular fasting and devotional discipline (shravakashram) reinforce vairagya (detachment) and self-control, aiding nirjara.
• Seek forgiveness (kshamapana) and cultivate forgiveness of others; this aligns the heart with non-violence and reduces inner negativity that binds karma.

Important note on tradition:

• Both Digambar and Shwetambar communities use pratikraman, samayik, kayotsarga and pratyakhyana as core purification tools. The specific rituals and timings may differ, but the underlying goal—purification of the soul and reduction of karma—is the same.

If you’d like, I can point you to step-by-step guides for practicing pratikraman and samayik in daily life.

You can read more here about pratikraman and its role in purifying the soul:

• Why we do pratikraman:
• Pratikaman overview (core avashyaka and daily practices):