In Jain Dharma, Antarāya Karma (अन्तराय कर्म / અંતરાય કર્મ) is one of the 8 main (aṣṭa) karmas. Its simple definition:

> Antarāya karma = the karma that creates obstacles and stops the soul from doing good or enjoying what is already possible.

What does Antarāya Karma do?

It blocks or interferes with the soul’s natural energy (śakti). Because of this karma, even when:

• you want to give – something stops you
• you want to take up religion or good work – obstacles come
• you could enjoy or use something – but you cannot
• you have capacity and resources – yet some hindrance appears

So it is called “obstructing karma” (antarāya = obstacle, hindrance).

Traditional texts describe 5 main forms (types) of Antarāya karma:

1. Dāna–antarāya – obstruction in giving (charity, help, seva)
2. Lābha–antarāya – obstruction in receiving gain (wealth, things, opportunities)
3. Bhoga–antarāya – obstruction in enjoying single‑use objects (like food)
4. Upabhoga–antarāya – obstruction in enjoying reusable objects (like house, clothes)
5. Vīrya–antarāya – obstruction in the use of one’s own energy/strength (especially for dharma)

Because it blocks good activity and spiritual progress, Jain Āgamas count Antarāya karma among the four ghātiyā (destructive) karmas.

Cause of Antarāya Karma

This karma mainly binds due to:

• Jealousy,
• envy of others’ success,
• stopping someone from doing good,
• creating hurdles in others’ charity or dharma,
• discouraging or blocking others from right path.

When we become the cause of obstruction for others, we attract Antarāya karma to ourselves.

Digambar & Śvetāmbara view

• Both Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions

- accept Antarāya karma as one of the 8 main karmas, - describe it as obstructing karma in almost the same way, - list the same five sub‑types mentioned above. Minor differences may be there in technical detail or order in some texts, but the core definition is same.

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In short: Antarāya karma is the karma that puts “brakes” on your good actions and your enjoyment of rightful things, even when you have desire and capacity to do them. By avoiding jealousy and obstruction to others, and by happily encouraging good deeds, we gradually reduce this karma.