In this universe, words may be few, but their meanings and emotions are infinite. Even a brief visual or message can contain boundless depth — that’s the specialty of this “ocean in a pot.”
In Episode 44, we explore Ashrav — the inflow of karma.
Previously, we discussed the types of karma — Punya (merit) and Paap (demerit) — and how karma binds.
Now, we turn to a critical yet subtle part of this process: how karma enters the soul — a scientific phenomenon called Ashrav.
Why Discuss Ashrav After Karma Bandh?
You might wonder, “We already learned about karma bondage. What’s left to know?”
Well, before bondage (Bandh) happens, karma has to enter first — this is Ashrav, the inflow of karmic particles.
Every soul in the universe undergoes a continuous cycle:
- Ashrav – Karma enters
- Bandh – Karma binds
- Vedaniya – Karma ripens and is experienced
- Nirjara – Karma sheds
- Moksha – Final liberation
Between Ashrav and Moksha, there’s also Samvar – the blocking of karma, which we will explore in the next episode.
Understanding Ashrav Through Logic
Let’s look at a simple analogy:
Suppose you want to live abroad.
To survive there, you’ll need:
- The local currency
- Language skills
- Knowledge of customs, food habits, dressing style, and daily routines
- Physical and mental preparation
- A packed bag with all necessary items
Everything must be pre-arranged.
Similarly, if you want to live in this world (samsar) — whether as a human, in hell, or as a celestial being — you need karma.
Karma is the material system that provides everything:
- For a fish, it gives gills
- For a bird, it provides wings
- For hellish beings or celestial gods, it creates special bodies
The universe is a perfectly organized karmic system.
Every wish or emotion we feel, karma responds by delivering the right “raw material” for that desire.
Karma: A Precise Mechanism
Say you want to become a bird. Karma will provide wings.
Want to live underwater like a fish? Karma will provide gills.
Every environment — jungle, ocean, foreign country — comes with its own karmic requirements. Karma supplies exactly what’s needed for that mode of life.
This is the inflow — karma entering in response to our inner state.
But not all karmas that enter will bind. Just like not all raw materials become part of the final product, only some karmic particles attach. The rest are wasted.
What Are the Gates of Ashrav?
Karma enters via:
- Mind, Speech, and Body (Yoga)
- Intentions and Emotions (Bhava)
Our actions — good or bad, done with compassion or cruelty — open the gates for karmic inflow.
For example:
- You feel like listening to music — karmic particles begin entering.
- You glance at something with desire — karma flows in.
- You taste, hear, see, or touch — all bring karma.
Even simple acts like admiring your reflection, looking around aimlessly in a mall, or speaking without awareness lead to Ashrav.
The 20 Types of Ashrav
- Five Great Sins: Killing, lying, stealing, sexual misconduct, and attachment
- Four Kashayas (Passions): Anger, pride, deceit, and greed
- Five Sense-based Ashravs: From sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch
- Three Yogas: Mind, speech, body activities
- Three Special Ashravs:
- Ayatana: Without intention
- Ajaatana: Without knowledge
- Ajnaana: Without awareness
- Plus, Suchi-Kushagraha: Minimal karmic inflow due to merely holding or letting go of physical objects, seen in liberated souls like Tirthankars.
Together, these define the entire karmic inflow process — governed by logic, science, and cosmic justice.
Conclusion
Ashrav is the scientific system through which karmic matter enters the soul.
Just as survival in any environment requires preparation and tools, karmic inflow equips us for our next phase of existence — be it as a human, god, or animal.
Understanding Ashrav is understanding how we invite karma — through every thought, word, and deed.
In the next part, we will learn how to block this flow — the process of Samvar.