Binding Vows in Jujutsu Kaisen should be avoided for a good reason, and it's because of honor and control

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Binding Vows are a powerful technique often used by the curses to expand their abilities or attain desired outcomes. However, regardless of the notable benefit the Binding Vow provides, some of the major jujutsu sorcerers have avoided using it excessively.

This generates an interesting question among the Jujutsu Kaisen fans about why the most important figures used the extremely powerful technique in the story only in moderation, especially when their opponents often used it.

One fan theory dives deeper into the reason behind the use of and the aversion to Binding Vows, pondering how it tells a wider story within jujutsu sorcerers and contradicts the common utilization of Binding Vows by curses.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.

What are Binding Vows in Jujutsu Kaisen, explained

Kento Nanami as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Binding Vows in Jujutsu Kaisen are powerful agreements that gather cursed energy to boost one's abilities by restricting themselves or making pacts with others. A sorcerer who makes a Binding Vow with themselves willingly limits their own power, like setting a boundary on the amount of cursed energy they can use.

The self-imposed risk increases the total potency because cursed energy responds to both, the user's determination as well as negative feelings.

The rule of cursed techniques is - the bigger the danger, the more powerful the energy. Similarly, Binding Vows that are made among people encompass shared promises, where both sides create conditions that are advantageous for themselves.

When someone breaks a vow made with themselves, the power that they earned is lost. But if it's about breaking a vow made to someone else, then there are more serious outcomes.

An example of a widely used Binding Vow in Jujutsu Kaisen would be sorcerers explaining their Cursed Techniques to increase their power. However, in recent chapters, many characters have been seen using Binding Vows rampantly which had not happened before in the series.

Also read: Jujutsu Kaisen's 3 most impactful Binding Vows and 3 that had little to no impact

Why using Binding Vows is generally frowned upon in Jujutsu Kaisen, explained

Satoru Gojo as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Many sorcerers choose not to use Binding Vows due to their dedication to honor and control. Jujutsu sorcerers have a strong desire for control over their own fate. They want to showcase their skills without any crutches from the outside world, but they also don't want to be controlled by the consequences or limitations of a Binding Vow.

The way Binding Vows are used in the Shinjuku Showdown Arc is unprecedented. But it also shows why they might bring more harm than good. The conditions of the Vows are severely limiting. The Vows are only used when there is no other choice left or to make use of a small window of opportunity. This is not because the users, such as Sukuna or Yuji, lack honor or want a cheat code. They are simply forced into a corner where other choices are not available.

Also, the Japanese cultural value of honor could be at work. The concept of using Binding Vows being seen as dishonorable or an act of desperation might not match with the values some Jujutsu sorcerers symbolize, such as fair competition and self-reliance.

For Gojo in particular, not turning to individual vows could correspond to the self-worth he takes from his natural abilities, along with desiring challenges that genuinely test his power.

How Binding Vows became more important as the JJK plot continued

Binding Vows were first introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen manga chapter 11 when Sukuna and Yuji made one over the control of the latter's body. Then we witnessed Nanami's Binding Vow 'Overtime' that increases his Cursed Energy output when he works past office hours. All these instances were portrayed through capable sorcerers who calculated the risks of limiting themselves to attain greater power.

However, not all Jujutsu sorcerers would be able to handle sealing off their strengths to receive an advantage. This would not be feasible for many in everyday activities and thus made Binding Vows a rare occurrence. Things started to change when Sukuna entered the scene and started wreaking havoc.

Sukuna made Binding Vows specifically to curb the powers of Gojo's attacks and also overpower him in the battle of domains. We also saw Hakari making a Binding Vow to protect himself against Kashimo's steam explosion at the cost of his left hand. Yuji's Binding Vow narrowed the scope of his Dismantle but increased its efficiency to split souls.

These blooming of Binding Vows towards the finale of the story show that they are desperate attempts from both sides to ensure their win. The level of this fight has far surpassed any normal standards even within the Jujutsu world. Hence, it is no wonder that most sorcerers would hesitate before entering into a Binding Vow. Unless you have other cards up your sleeve as backup or you are utterly cornered, there is no point in restricting your powers.

Final Thoughts

The reason why Binding Vows has become a sort of final move in the Shinjuku Showdown arc is that Gege Akutami continues to put his characters in situations that are impossible to escape.

However, it also shows that while some people would use any means necessary to get the job done, others like Nanami (who has used the Overtime Vow), Gojo, and some members of the Zen'in Clan do not use it even during their final moments to escape certain death, simply because the cost outweighs the benefits.

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Edited by Bharath S