In Jainism, karmic particles (karma pudgals) attach to the soul mainly because of our own inner states and activities of mind, speech, and body.

In simple words: Whenever we think, speak, or act with passion, attachment, or aversion, new karmas flow in (āsrava) and get bound (bandha) to the soul.

1. The four main causes (root passions – Kashāy)

These are the strongest “glue” for karma:

1. Krodh (Anger) – irritation, hatred, revengeful attitude
2. Mān (Pride / Ego) – “I am great”, looking down on others
3. Māyā (Deceit) – cheating, manipulation, double‑faced behaviour
4. Lobh (Greed) – never satisfied, wanting more and more

Whenever any thought, word, or action is coloured by these kashāy, karmic particles strongly attach to the soul.

2. Wrong inner attitude

• Mithyātva (wrong belief / wrong view)

Not believing in the true nature of soul, karma, and liberation, making religion a formality, or mocking dharma, also causes heavy karmic bondage.

• Rāga – attachment

“I want this, this is mine, I can’t live without it.”

• Dveṣa – aversion

“I hate this, I can’t tolerate this person/thing.”

Attachment and aversion are the basic vibrations that pull karmic matter towards the soul.

3. Unrestrained activities (Yoga)

Jain texts say karma comes in through the activity of:

• Mind – thinking ill of others, jealous thoughts, constant negativity, over‑thinking with desires.
• Speech – lying, harsh words, gossip, backbiting, hurting others by words.
• Body – violence, carelessness, harming living beings, indulgence in sense pleasures.

These activities by themselves bring influx (āsrava), and when mixed with kashāy (anger, pride, deceit, greed), that influx turns into bondage (bandha).

4. Carelessness and lack of self‑control

• Pramāda (negligence / carelessness) – casual violence, careless driving, hurting insects without concern, uncontrolled lifestyle.
• Avrata / vowlessness – not observing any self‑control (no limits on food, speech, possessions, behaviour).

The more careless and uncontrolled we are, the easier it is for karma to keep attaching.

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Very short summary

Karmas attach to the soul when there is a combination of:

1. Inner impurity – anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion, wrong belief.
2. Outer activity – thoughts, words, and actions done under these impurities.
3. Carelessness – no restraint, no effort to control oneself.

If we reduce passions, develop right faith, and live carefully with non‑violence and self‑control, we greatly reduce new karmic attachment and start moving toward liberation.

You can read more in very simple language here: Nav Tattva (Asrava, Bandha, etc.) explanation