Here are plain-language, Jain-focused summaries of how a jiva’s karma binds and unbinds, and how that leads to moksha.

How karma binds (ordinary life)

• What binds: The jiva accumulates karma when it acts with inner passions (kasaya) like anger, attachment, pride, greed, and trivialize or false beliefs. Thoughts, speech, and actions all create karmic particles that cling to the soul.
• Why it binds: Bonding happens because our mind is clouded by passions and misperceptions (wrong belief, wrong knowledge). This creates influx (asrava) of karmic matter that sticks to the jiva.
• Result: Bindings change the jiva’s nature, give rise to cycles of birth, aging, and suffering, and obscure true knowledge and perception.

How karma unbinds (purification practices)

• Stop new inflow (samvara): Reduce inflow by living with discipline—practice right conduct, restraint, and detachment. For layhouseholders this includes vows (like non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness) and mindful living that lowers passions. Meditation and periodic vows (like following samayik) also help.
• Shed old karma (nirjara): Purify by deliberate penance, self-discipline, and ethical living that gradually burns away karmic particles already attached to the soul. This is achieved through steadfast practice, restraint, and spiritual awareness.
• Key practices (plain-spoken):

- Right belief, right knowledge, right conduct (the three jewels) guide daily life with accuracy and clarity. - Regular self-discipline: fasting, penance, and controlled fasting where appropriate; deep meditation and reflection (like daily/seasonal pauses). - Five vows for many Jain traditions (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha) and other purification disciplines in the monastic or devout lay life.

• Effect: Over time, the karmic particles loosen their grip, and the jiva becomes more free, pure, and capable of kevala jnana (omniscience).

Path to moksha (ultimate liberation)

• The goal: When all karmas are shed (no remaining particle binding the soul), the jiva attains moksha and resides in liberated, permanent bliss in siddha-loka.
• The process: Progress through spiritual awakening and purification—develop true knowledge, right belief, and right conduct; deepen detachment from worldly desires; undertake disciplined practices and austerities appropriate to one’s state (lay or monk).
• What that looks like in practice: A sustained life of non-violence, truth, integrity, celibacy or self-control, non-attachment to possessions; steady inner purification; and finally, perfected wisdom that frees the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
• Note on differences: Digambar and Shwetambar traditions may describe certain practices or emphases differently, but both affirm that purifying the mind, reducing passions, and following a disciplined path lead toward liberation.

If you’d like, I can tailor these points to a layperson’s daily routine (healthy, practical steps you can start this week) or to a monastic path (more intensive disciplines).