Bandha

Bandha is the attachment of karmic matter to the soul. Karmic matter is a particular type of matter which is attracted to the soul because of its ignorance, lack of self restraint, passions and activities of body, mind and speech. The soul, which is covered by karmic matter, continues acquiring new karma from the universe and exhausting old karma into the universe. Because of this continual process of acquiring and exhausting karma particles, the soul has to pass through the cycles of births and deaths, and experiencing pleasure and pain. So under normal circumstances the soul cannot attain freedom from Karma, and hence liberation.

Types of Bandha
When Karma gets bound to the soul, certain characteristics regarding these Karma particles entering into the soul are determined. These characteristics are as follows:

1. Prakriti Bandha - Types of Karma
2. Sthiti Bandha - Duration of Karma
3. Anubhava Bandha - Intensity of attachment of Karma
4. Pradesa Bandha - Quantity of Karma

Prakruti Bandha (Nature) - Each Karma particle has a capacity to give a specific type of fruit to the soul when it matures. The nature of the fruit that the karma will give on maturity is determined right at the time of bondage of karma. There are 8 major types and 158 sub-types of nature of Karma. These 158 varieties of Karma lead to various types of pleasant and unpleasant experiences and circumstances for the Jiva.

Sthiti Bandha (Status) - The Karma particles that get bound with the soul becomes a part of the Karmic body, which accompanies the soul even in future births. Sthiti Bandha determines the duration till which a specific Karma will remain in association with the soul.

Anubhava Bandha (Intensity) - Karma particles give mild or intense fruits to the Jiva on attainment of maturity. This intensity is decided at the time of bondage of the Karma depending upon the involvement of the Jiva in the activities that lead to the bondage of Karma.

Pradesh Bandha (Quantum) - Karmas enter the soul and become part of the Karmic body. The exact number of Karmic particles that get assimilated in the Karmic body at a point of time is called Pradesh Bandha. Allocation of stock for each variety of Karma is decided by Pradesh Bandha. The quantum of karmic matter that is drawn towards the soul for attachment is determined by the intensity or dullness of the soul"s action.