In Jainism, it is believed that the soul (jiva) is eternal and passes through countless cycles of birth and rebirth (samsara) due to the accumulation of karma. However, the knowledge (jnana) acquired in previous lives does not ordinarily carry over in a conscious, accessible way to the next life. This is because the soul becomes bound by karmic particles, which obscure its intrinsic qualities, including perfect knowledge (kevala jnana).

There are, however, rare instances in Jain scriptures where exceptional beings, such as Tirthankaras or highly advanced souls, may recall knowledge from previous lives. This is due to the destruction (ksaya) or subsidence (upashama) of the karmas that obscure memory and knowledge.

For most souls, the knowledge from past lives remains hidden due to the bondage of knowledge-obscuring karma (jnanavaraniya karma). Liberation (moksha) is attained only when all karmas are completely destroyed, and the soul regains its pure, infinite knowledge and perception.

In summary, while Jainism teaches that the soul carries forward its karmic account, conscious knowledge from previous lives is generally not accessible, except in rare advanced spiritual states.