In Jain Dharma, karma is not just “deeds” or “fate.” It is very fine material particles (pudgala) that attach to the soul (jīva) when we act with passions and vibrations of mind–speech–body. This bondage covers the soul’s natural qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

How karma binds

• Influx (Āsrava): Through activities of mind, speech, and body, especially with passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
• Bondage (Bandha): Particles stick to the soul when actions are done with attachment or aversion.
• Stoppage (Saṁvara): We prevent new karma by right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, carefulness, vows, and watchfulness.
• Shedding (Nirjarā): We burn off old karma through austerities, repentance, humility, meditation, forgiveness, and pure living.
• Liberation (Mokṣa): When all karmas are stopped and shed, the soul becomes perfectly free.

Eight main karmas 1) Knowledge‑obscuring (Jñānāvaraṇīya) 2) Perception‑obscuring (Darśanāvaraṇīya) 3) Deluding/Passion‑producing (Mohaniya) 4) Energy‑obstructing (Antarāya) 5) Feeling‑producing (Vedanīya) 6) Body‑making (Nāma) 7) Status‑determining (Gotra) 8) Life‑span‑determining (Āyuṣ)

Grouped as:

• Ghātiyā (soul‑harming): 1–4
• Aghātiyā (body/world‑related): 5–8

Main causes that pull karma

• Passions (four kashāyas): anger, pride, deceit, greed.
• Careless activities and intense attachments/aversions.
• Wrong belief and misconduct.

How to reduce karma in daily life

• Cultivate the Three Jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
• Observe small or great vows, non‑violence in thought–word–deed, truthfulness, non‑stealing, celibacy/sexual restraint, non‑possessiveness.
• Practice forgiveness, contentment, self‑discipline, meditation, and both external and internal austerities.

Notes on traditions

• Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions agree on the core doctrine of karma, the eight types, and the path of saṁvara and nirjarā. Differences are in some classifications and detailed subtypes, but the essence is the same.

This is the simple Jain view: our choices and inner states attract or stop karma. By purifying intentions and conduct, we free the soul and reach liberation.