Jeev na 212 bhed kaya
Jainism classifies living beings (Jeev) based on their senses (indriya) and other characteristics. According to Jain philosophy, Jeev are mainly divided into 5 categories based on the number of senses they possess (from one-sensed to five-sensed beings). Further, they are classified into sub-categories (bhed), which total to 8.4 million (84 lakhs) types of Jeev, but there is also a specific classification of 212 types (bhed) of Jeev based on their bodily constitution (kaya).
Here is how the 212 bhed are described:
5 Main Kaya (Bodily Types)
- Prithvikaya (Earth-bodied)
- Apkaya (Water-bodied)
- Teukaya (Fire-bodied)
- Vaukaya (Air-bodied)
- Vanikaya (Vegetation-bodied/Plant-bodied)
These are further divided into:
- Sthavar jeev (immobile): 1-sensed beings (five types above)
- Tras jeev (mobile): Beings with 2 to 5 senses (further divided)
The 212 Bhed Kaya:
- Sthavar jeev: 5 main types (as above)
- Tras jeev: Multiple sub-categories based on the number of senses and internal/external divisions.
Breakdown:
- Sthavar (immobile): 5 bhed (1-sensed, as above)
- Tras (mobile):
But to reach 212, Jain scriptures (like the Tattvartha Sutra and Jain Agamas) provide a detailed breakdown considering various aspects, such as:
- Types of bodies (Audarik, Vaikriya, Aharak, Karmana, Tejas, etc.)
- Birthplaces (egg-born, womb-born, etc.)
- Modes of origin and senses
In summary: Jeev na 212 bhed kaya refers to the 212 different types of bodily classifications of living beings as described in Jain scriptures, taking into account all combinations of bodily forms, origins, and senses.
For detailed study, you can refer to:
- Tattvartha Sutra (Chapter 2, on Jeev)
- Jiv Vichar (Jain texts on classification of life)
- Jain Agams (like Uttaradhyayana Sutra)
If you need the exact detailed list, let me know!