In Jainism, karma refers to a subtle form of matter that binds to the soul (jiva) due to one's actions, thoughts, and intentions. Karma is not just a philosophical or ethical concept, but is considered a real, physical substance that attaches to the soul and clouds its true, pure nature.

There are two main types of karma in Jainism:

1. Ghatiya (destructive) karma: These karmas obscure the true qualities of the soul, such as knowledge, perception, energy, and bliss.
2. Aghatiya (non-destructive) karma: These karmas affect the physical aspects of a being, such as body, lifespan, social status, and experiences of pleasure or pain.

Karma is accumulated through passions (kashayas) like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, as well as through violence, falsehood, theft, unchastity, and attachment. The ultimate goal in Jainism is to purify the soul by stopping the influx of new karma (samvara) and eliminating existing karma (nirjara) through right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra). When all karma is removed, the soul attains liberation (moksha) and infinite bliss.