Jiva, the living soul

What it is: Jiva is the soul or living principle present in beings. Jainism holds that there is life in multiple levels and forms, not only in the most visible humans and animals.

How the tradition understands it: Each jiva is distinct, eternal, and potentially capable of liberation, although conditioned by karma while bound to samsara.

Textual basis and context: Jain cosmology describes a great variety of living beings, with different capacities and degrees of sensitivity.

Debates and variations: The classification of beings and the ethics derived from it were developed with great detail in monastic traditions.

Supportive

Samayasara

jainism,samayasara,jiva,moksha

An important work on the nature of the soul and liberation.

Reference: Kundakunda, Samayasara.
Content: The work discusses the essence of the soul and the discernment between true being and karmic bonds.
Use in debate: It is important for doctrines of jiva and moksha, especially in the Digambara tradition.

Tattvartha Sutra 2.10

jainism,jiva,tattvartha-sutra,soul

A classification of the living soul.

Reference: Tattvartha Sutra 2.10 and related sections.
Content: The text deals with the nature of living beings and their classification.
Use in debate: It is important for the doctrine of jiva and for the ethics of life.

Uttaradhyayana Sutra 10

jainism,soul,discipline,uttaradhyayana

Passages on soul, discipline, and liberation.

Reference: Uttaradhyayana Sutra, chapter 10 and its context.
Content: The text relates self-knowledge, discipline, and spiritual purpose.
Use in debate: It supports the doctrine of the soul and ethical practice.