Answer

In Jain Dharma, Prakṛti, Pradesh, Sthiti, and Anubhāg are the four main ways of understanding karma-bandh — the bondage of karma with the soul.

They explain:

• Prakṛti – What type of karma is bound?
• Pradesh – How many karmic particles are bound?
• Sthiti – For how long will the karma remain bound?
• Anubhāg – With what intensity will the karma give fruit?

Explanation

1. Prakṛti Bandh – Type of Karma

Prakṛti means the nature or category of karma. When karma binds to the soul, it belongs to a particular type.

For example:

• Jñānāvaraṇīya karma – obstructs knowledge
• Darśanāvaraṇīya karma – obstructs perception
• Mohanīya karma – causes delusion and attachment
• Āyuṣya karma – determines lifespan

So, Prakṛti answers: “Which kind of karma has been bound?”

2. Pradesh Bandh – Quantity of Karma

Pradesh means the number of karmic particles that attach to the soul.

When the soul acts through body, speech, and mind, karmic matter flows in and attaches. The quantity of that karmic matter is called Pradesh bandh.

So, Pradesh answers: “How much karma has been bound?”

3. Sthiti Bandh – Duration of Karma

Sthiti means the time period for which karma remains attached to the soul before giving result and separating.

Some karma may remain for a short time, while some may remain for a very long time depending on the intensity of passions such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

So, Sthiti answers: “How long will this karma stay with the soul?”

4. Anubhāg Bandh – Intensity of Karma

Anubhāg means the strength or intensity with which karma gives its result.

For example, two people may bind the same type of karma, but one may experience a mild result while another experiences a very intense result. This difference is due to Anubhāg.

So, Anubhāg answers: “How strongly will this karma give fruit?”

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain philosophy, karma is not just a moral record; it is a subtle material bondage with the soul.

These four aspects show that karma is bound according to:

• the nature of our activity,
• the quantity of karmic particles attracted,
• the duration created by our passions,
• and the intensity created by our inner state.

The deeper cause of strong karma bondage is kaṣāya — anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

Takeaway

Prakṛti tells the type of karma, Pradesh tells the quantity, Sthiti tells the duration, and Anubhāg tells the intensity.

Together, they explain how karma binds to the soul and how it later gives results.