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karma-matter and consequent nature of karmic bondage should also be of infinite varieties. They may well be. However, they have been grouped under one or the other of the following eight categories: -
1. Knowledge obscuring (Iñānāvaraṇīya) karma, 2. Vision obscuring (Darsanāvaraṇīya) karma, 3. Feeling producing (Vedanīya) karma, 4. Delusion producing (Mohanīya) karma, 5. Life-span determining (Āyu) karma, 6. Genetic classification (physiques of different classes such
as heavenly gods, human, animal or hellish denizens)
determining (Nāma) karma, 7. Status (within a particular class) determining (Gotra)
karma, and 8. Weal Obstructing (Antarāya) karma.
The functions of these different types of karma are obvious from their nomenclature itself. These have further been grouped in two groups, as follows, depending upon their ability to hinder the basic qualities of the soul or otherwise. The two groups are - 1. Destructive (Ghātiyā)karma, which inhibit the soul from
realising it's potential of enlightenment and omnisciencea. Knowledge obscuring karma, b. Vision obscuring karma, c. Delusion producing karma, and
d. Obstructive karma. 2. Non-destructive (Aghātiyā) karma -
a. Feeling producing karma, b. Life-span determining karma, c. Genetic classification determining karma, and d. Status determining karma.
This, however, is their basic classification. Each of these
KARMA-SIDDHANTA (DOCTRINE OF KARMA): 189
