Jīva (Jainism)

In Jainism, Jīva (Sanskrit: जीव) is a philosophical term that refers to the soul, or living substance. It is a fundamental concept in Jain metaphysics, representing the principle of sentience and consciousness. Unlike the material substances (pudgala), which are non-sentient, the jīva is characterized by its inherent capacity for knowledge, perception, happiness, and energy.

Every living being, from the smallest microorganism to the largest animal, is considered to possess a jīva. The condition of a jīva is affected by karma, which is accumulated through actions, thoughts, and intentions. Actions motivated by attachment and aversion generate karma that binds the jīva to the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Jain philosophy emphasizes the importance of non-violence (ahimsa) to minimize the accumulation of negative karma and promote the purification of the jīva. The ultimate goal is to liberate the jīva from the cycle of rebirth, achieving a state of perfect knowledge, bliss, and freedom known as moksha. In this liberated state, the jīva exists eternally in its pure, unadulterated form, free from the limitations imposed by karma and the material world. The characteristics of a liberated jīva are described as infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss and infinite vigor.