Ghati and Aghati Karma
Destructive karmas prevent liberation; non-destructive ones affect only worldly conditions.
Ghati karmas (destructive) must be eliminated for liberation. They obscure the soul's knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. Aghati karmas (non-destructive) determine lifespan, body, status, and circumstances.
First destroy the ghati; the rest fall away at death.
This distinction clarifies priorities in spiritual practice.
Liberation Path
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- What Jainism says about illness and the body failing
This is the most useful distinction the tradition has to offer here. Lifespan, body and physical circumstance are aghati, non-destructive karma; only the four ghati karmas obscure the soul's knowledge and perception. Illness, however severe, is therefore not an obstacle to liberation. A sick person is not spiritually behind.