There are four kinds of Karma bonds. These bonds
describe the way in which the Karma system operates.
1. Numerical strength of Bond (Pradesa
bandh). A soul has innumerable pradesa or space points.
Truly speaking the soul is indivisible but for the purpose of theoretical
explanation it is assumed to have numerous space points. Numerable,
innumerable or infinite number of Karma varganas may bond with each
soul pradesa depending on the strength of action. If the strength
of action is low, less number of Karma bond with each pradesa and
so on. The pradesa bond means the number of the Karma vargana
binding with each soul pradesa. The bonding is uniform over all the
pradesas. Why such a large number of Karma varganas bond
with each pradesa? This is because only infinite number of Karma
can obscure the ability of the soul. Further, only the Karma in the active
mode discharge this function as described below.
2. Nature of Karma bond (Prakriti bandh).
There are various types of Karma, their nature is identified by the
particular property of the soul they obscure. There are eight main
properties of the soul and so there are eight main types of Karma. This is
an important subject and is taken up separately below.
3. Duration of bond (Stithi bandh).
A Karma remains bound to the Karma body for a given duration of time.
The total duration consists of two parts passive and active duration. In
the passive period called abadhakala the Karma exercises no effect
on the soul. In the active or experience period the Karma manifests itself
and the soul experiences the prescribed effect of the Karma. For example
when knowledge obscuring Karma rise, the power of knowing of the soul is
reduced. When the active period is over the Karma sheds and leaves the
Karma body. The passive period is not fixed and varies between two limits,
the minimum limit and the maximum limit. The passive period cannot be less
than the minimum limit and cannot be more than the maximum limit. The
minimum limit can be about one or a few hours depending on the type of
Karma and the maximum limit is of few thousand years.
The duration of the passive period is fixed at the time
of bondage of Karma some where between the two limits depending on the
strength of the passion, lesser the strength smaller is the duration. The
termination of the passive period is known as Karma vipak or the
rise of Karma. Now the Karma becomes active and gives its fruits, that is,
it shows its prescribed effect on the soul. The active period is much
small as compared to the passive period. After the end of active period
the Karma separates from the Karma body and migrates to the surroundings
in the form of Karma vargana.
4. Intensity of bond (Anubhag bandh).
What shall be the intensity of good or bad experience when the Karma
becomes active? This depends on the intensity of the bond which is pre
decided at the time of bondage of Karma. A strong passion binds high
intensity Karma and vice versa.
