In Jainism, it is believed that every soul (jīva) carries with it the impressions (saṃskāras) of its past lives, including religious knowledge and tendencies. However, at birth, a child does not consciously remember or exhibit religious knowledge because the soul is covered by various karmic impurities that obscure true knowledge (kevala jñāna).

Jain philosophy teaches that the capacity for religious understanding exists within every soul, but actual knowledge and realization come through the removal of karmas, right association (satsang), guidance from spiritual teachers (gurus), and personal effort in study and practice (śravaṇa, manana, dhyāna).

Some exceptional souls (like Tirthankaras) are believed to be born with extraordinary spiritual awareness, but even they gradually demonstrate their knowledge as they grow. Jain texts also mention "baladevas" or spiritually inclined children, who show early signs of religious inclination due to their past karmas and spiritual practices.

In summary, Jainism acknowledges the potential for religious knowledge from birth due to past karmas, but conscious realization and expression depend on the soul's karmic state and spiritual development.