8/16/2020 Antaraya Karma - Its Causes & Remedies

Enlighteners of Jainism
History of Jainism and its Enlighteners

Antaraya Karma - Its Causes & Remedies

- June 25, 2020

The pudgala (matter) creating obstruction to active power is called ‘Antaraya’ (Obstacle)
Karma’. This Karma is like a treasurer. The institution or the owner may have sanctioned
the amount to be given, but that amount can be collected only when the treasurer gives it.
Similarly, the soul has infinite powers and qualities, but they are obstructed by this karma.

This type of Karma obstructs the soul’s ability to acquire infinite energy. Even though many
of us desire to donate, we cannot do so. A rich person can have any type of dinner of
his/her choice but cannot able to enjoy it if he or she has diabetes. There may be situation
where everything was set 100% right to complete the project but for some obstacle you
could not even start the project. Situations of this nature occur because of this Karma been
influenced. This Karma also causes obstruction in the worship of Jina and in the
performance of the spiritual activities. Consequently, Obstructing Karma is responsible for
all the obstacles we face in our lives.

Antaraya Karma hinders the energy of the jiva in a fivefold manner :

1. Dana Antaraya Karma (Obstructing Charity) hinders dispensing alms. When it

operates a person who knows the merit in giving and who has something to give
away, is not capable to give it, although there is someone worthy of the gift.
2. Labha Antaraya Karma (Obstructing Profit) hinders receiving. When it operates,
a person is not capable of receiving a present, although a friendly giver and a
suitable present are present.
3. Bhoga Antaraya Karma (Obstructing Enjoyment ) hinders the enjoyment of
something which can only be taken once (such as eating drinking).
4. Upabhoga Antaraya Karma (Obstructing Repeated Enjoyment ) hinders the
enjoyment of something which can be repeatedly used (such as a dwelling,
clothing, women).
5. Virya Antaraya Karma (Obstructing Power) hinders the will power. When it
operates, even a strong, full grown man is incapable of bending a blade of grass.

Antaraya Karma is accumulated due to the obstruction of the worship of the Jinas
(Tirthankars) and other spiritual activities, obstructing others from doing penance, service,
practicing devotion or giving charity, not giving the charity, causing loss to others, and
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8/16/2020 Antaraya Karma - Its Causes & Remedies

obstructing others’ food, water etc. Some of the effects of Obstructing Karma include the
inability to perform penance, laziness, and weakness. Even if one has the desire to travel
on the right path, on account of excessive Obstructing Karma, one would not be able to do
so.

Antaraya Karma can be shed off by giving charity, sharing knowledge, helping monks and
nuns, encouraging others to give charity, and encouraging and helping others to do
penance and service and by showing benevolence. When we get rid of Antaraya Karma
completely, we attain infinite power (Anant-shakti). The soul will have no disability or
weakness.

Antaraya Karma Ghatiya karmas Jain Jain Dharma Jainism Karma

Types of Karma

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