Four ‘non-destructive’ or ‘neutral’ types of karma, which chiefly influence the physical body and thus do not hamper the acquisition of the ‘three jewels’ needed for liberation. They are:

1. āyu-karma – determines lifespan and condition of existence – gati
2. nāma-karma – forms the body and physical attributes
3. gotra-karma – sets the status of the body, for example high or low social status in the case of human beings
4. vedanīya-karma – causes feelings of pleasure and displeasure.