Antarāya karma is one of the eight karmas in Jain philosophy. It is the obstructive karma.

Meaning

It prevents or delays a soul from getting the help, energy, or opportunity needed to do good, useful, or spiritual actions.

What it obstructs

Antarāya karma can block:

• charity or giving
• gain of wealth or resources
• enjoyment or use of things
• repeated enjoyment
• power, effort, or energy for right action

Main idea

Even when a person wants to do something good, antarāya karma creates obstacles. It is the karma that makes a soul feel:

• “I want to give, but I cannot.”
• “I want to do, but something stops me.”
• “I have intention, but not the ability or support.”

Spiritual meaning

In Jainism, this karma is removed by:

• right conduct
• self-control
• non-attachment
• sincere spiritual practice
• destruction of karmic bondage through purification

When antarāya karma is weakened, a soul gains greater inner strength and freedom to act rightly.

If you want, I can also explain the five types of antarāya karma in simple language.