What is bandhi

In Jainism, the term "Bandhi" (also spelled Bandhi or Bandha) generally refers to bondage or attachment. Specifically, it is connected to the concept of karmic bondage (karma bandha).

Karma Bandha is the process by which the soul (jiva) becomes bound by karmic particles due to its actions, passions, and activities (yoga). According to Jain philosophy, every action—physical, verbal, or mental—can lead to the influx (āsrava) and subsequent bondage (bandha) of karma to the soul. This bondage is the cause of the soul's cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).

Bandha is one of the seven fundamental principles (tattvas) of Jain philosophy:

1. Jiva (soul)
2. Ajiva (non-soul)
3. Asrava (influx)
4. Bandha (bondage)
5. Samvara (stoppage)
6. Nirjara (shedding)
7. Moksha (liberation)

Summary: In Jainism, "bandhi" or "bandha" means the bondage of the soul by karmic particles, which results from one’s actions and passions, and it is a core concept explaining why souls remain in the cycle of birth and death. The goal of Jain practice is to stop new bondage (samvara) and shed existing karma (nirjara) to achieve liberation (moksha).