Here is a very simple “teen‑friendly” understanding of the 8 karmas in Jainism.

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1. What is karma in Jainism?

• Karma is a very fine, invisible matter that sticks to the soul when we think, speak or do anything with passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
• Because of these karmas, the pure soul cannot shine fully.
• When karmas are destroyed, the soul becomes a Siddha (liberated, full of infinite happiness and knowledge).

The 8 karmas are divided into:

• Ghāti karmas (4) – they cover or damage the soul’s main qualities.
• Aghāti karmas (4) – they do not touch the inner qualities, but decide body, life‑span, etc.

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A. Four Ghāti Karmas (harm the soul’s qualities)

1) Jñānāvaraṇīya karma – Knowledge‑covering

• Blocks true knowledge, like a cloud covering the sun.
• Because of this, we don’t know everything, we forget, we get confused.
• Reduced by: listening to Jain teachings, studying, avoiding gossip and falsehood.

2) Darśanāvaraṇīya karma – Perception‑covering

• Blocks clear “seeing” or perception (darshan).
• Because of this, our understanding of reality is dull or unclear.
• Reduced by: samayik, pratikraman, staying aware and calm.

3) Mohanīya karma – Deluding

• The strongest and most dangerous karma.
• It creates attachment, hatred, wrong beliefs, and wrong conduct.
• Because of this, we say, “I know this is wrong, but I still want to do it.”
• Reduced by: right belief, self‑control, fighting anger–pride–deceit–greed.

4) Antarāya karma – Obstructing

• Creates obstacles in our own good actions.
• Because of this, we feel, “I want to give, help, learn, progress… but something stops me.”
• Reduced by: helping others, donating, encouraging others, not being jealous.

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B. Four Aghāti Karmas (do not harm the inner purity)

These decide “outer conditions” of life, not the inner purity of the soul.

5) Nāma karma – Body‑making

• Decides the type of body we get: human, animal, heavenly, hellish, healthy, weak, beautiful, etc.
• Also decides many physical features and abilities.

6) Āyu karma – Life‑span

• Decides how long we will live in a particular birth (human, animal, etc.).
• This is fixed when that life starts, based on past actions.

7) Gotra karma – Status‑deciding

• Decides our “status” or position: rich/poor, famous/unknown, respected/insulted.
• Teaches us humility: today’s high status can become low in another birth, and vice versa.

8) Vedanīya karma – Feeling‑producing

• Decides how much pleasure or pain we feel.
• Two main types:

- Sātā vedanīya – pleasant feelings - Asātā vedanīya – painful feelings

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How can teenagers work on karma?

Very simple daily habits:

1. Ahimsa in thoughts, words, actions

– Avoid hurting anyone, including through bullying, insults, or online trolling.

1. Control anger, pride, deceit, greed

– Notice when they rise; pause, breathe, and choose a better response.

1. Truthfulness and honesty

– Lies and cheating bring heavy karmas; honesty brings lightness and peace.

1. Compassion and Seva (helping others)

– Help people, animals, environment. Do it without ego (“I am great”).

1. Study and remember Jain teachings

– Even a few minutes daily: stotra, sutra, or a small Jain story.

1. Regular pratikraman / samayik (as per your tradition)

– Cleanses the day’s mistakes and reduces karmic load.

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Note on traditions (Digambar / Shvetambar)

• The names and basic meanings of the 8 karmas are accepted in both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions.
• There may be detailed differences in sub‑types and technical explanations, but for understanding at teenager level, the above is common and acceptable to both.

If you tell me the age range (e.g., 12–14 or 15–18) and language preference, I can rewrite this even more simply or in story form for that specific group.