What is the distinction between Bhāvabandha and Dravyabandha, according to the Jainas? Discuss.

Understanding Dravya and Bhava

Before delving into the distinction, it’s essential to understand the Jain concepts of Dravya and Bhava. Dravya refers to the fundamental substances that constitute reality – Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Kala (time), Desha (space), Gati (motion), and Vishesha (qualities). These are eternal and unchanging in their essential nature. Bhava, on the other hand, represents the modifications or modes of these substances. Bhava are impermanent and constantly changing, arising from the interaction of Dravyas. Karma, in Jainism, is considered a type of Ajiva that modifies the Jiva.

Bhāvabandha: Bondage through Modifications

Bhāvabandha, literally meaning ‘bondage through modifications’, refers to the bondage of the soul caused by its mental, verbal, and physical activities (thought, speech, and action). It’s the attachment of the soul to its own modifications – passions, emotions, and dispositions (like anger, pride, deceit, greed). These modifications are not substances themselves but are modes of the Jiva.

• Bhāvabandha arises from the soul’s inherent qualities and its interaction with the world.
• It’s a subtle form of bondage, often occurring unconsciously.
• The intensity of Bhāvabandha depends on the strength of the passions and the degree of attachment.
• It creates a predisposition for future karmic influx.

For example, experiencing intense anger creates a Bhāvabandha, making the soul more susceptible to accumulating karmas of violence in the future.

Dravyabandha: Bondage through Karmic Matter

Dravyabandha, meaning ‘bondage through matter’, refers to the actual influx and accumulation of karmic particles (Karma-pudgala) into the soul. Karma-pudgala is a subtle form of matter that adheres to the soul due to the vibrations created by its activities. This adherence is not physical in the conventional sense but a metaphysical bonding.

• Dravyabandha is the concrete manifestation of karmic bondage.
• It’s caused by the soul’s activities that create vibrations attracting Karma-pudgala.
• The amount of Dravyabandha depends on the intensity of the activity and the presence of conducive conditions.
• Dravyabandha obscures the soul’s inherent qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

For instance, telling a lie creates vibrations that attract Karma-pudgala, resulting in Dravyabandha and obscuring the soul’s clarity of perception.

Distinguishing Bhāvabandha and Dravyabandha: A Comparative Table

Feature	Bhāvabandha	Dravyabandha
Nature	Bondage through modifications of the soul	Bondage through influx of karmic matter
What is Bonded	Soul to its own passions and dispositions	Soul to Karma-pudgala
Mechanism	Attachment to mental, verbal, and physical activities	Attraction of karmic particles due to vibrations
Visibility	Subtle and often unconscious	Concrete and observable (in its effects)
Relationship	Precedes and causes Dravyabandha	Follows Bhāvabandha

The Interrelationship

Bhāvabandha and Dravyabandha are not independent but are intrinsically linked. Bhāvabandha is the cause, and Dravyabandha is the effect. The passions and dispositions created by Bhāvabandha generate the vibrations that attract Karma-pudgala, leading to Dravyabandha. Dravyabandha, in turn, reinforces Bhāvabandha, creating a vicious cycle. The Jain path to liberation focuses on eliminating both Bhāvabandha through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and subsequently dissolving Dravyabandha through austerity and purification.