In Jainism, karmas are classified into two broad categories based on their effect on the soul: Ghatiya (Ghati) karmas and Aghatiya (Aghati) karmas.

1. Ghatiya (Destructive) Karmas

These karmas are called "ghātiyā" because they directly obscure or diminish the soul’s true nature and intrinsic qualities, such as infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. They are considered the most harmful as they obstruct the soul’s liberation (moksha). There are four types:

1. Jñānāvaraṇīya Karma (Knowledge-obscuring karma):

- Obstructs the soul’s pure knowledge (kevala jñāna).

1. Darśanāvaraṇīya Karma (Perception-obscuring karma):

- Obstructs the soul’s perception (darśana).

1. Mohaniya Karma (Deluding karma):

- Creates attachment and aversion, deluding right belief and conduct.

1. Antarāya Karma (Obstructive karma):

- Obstructs the soul’s energy, preventing it from doing good deeds.

Liberation (moksha) is possible only after all four ghatiya karmas are completely destroyed.

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2. Aghatiya (Non-destructive) Karmas

These karmas do not obscure the soul’s essential qualities but relate only to the physical, mental, and social aspects of worldly existence. There are four types:

1. Vedanīya Karma (Feeling-producing karma):

- Causes experiences of pleasure and pain.

1. Nāma Karma (Body-determining karma):

- Determines the type of body and physical attributes the soul acquires.

1. Gotra Karma (Status-determining karma):

- Determines social status, family, and environment of birth.

1. Āyu Karma (Age-determining karma):

- Determines the lifespan in a particular birth.

A soul that has destroyed all ghatiya karmas but still has aghatiya karmas is called an Arihant. After the destruction of all aghatiya karmas, the soul attains Siddhahood (liberation).

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In Summary

• Ghatiya Karmas: Obstruct the soul’s innate qualities; must be destroyed for liberation.
• Aghatiya Karmas: Relate to physical existence; destroyed automatically at the time of liberation.

This classification is central to Jain philosophy regarding the bondage and liberation of the soul (jiva).