Ātma (jiva) means the soul in Jainism. It is the conscious, eternal essence that resides in every living being. The body, mind, and senses are not the soul; the soul is distinct and infinite in its pure state, with qualities like knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. Karma binds the soul and makes it seem bound to birth and death; liberation happens when the soul is freed from all karmic bonds.

Key points in simple terms:

• The soul is eternal and individual.
• It is pure by nature, but karmas cover and veil its true nature.
• Liberation (moksha) means the soul remains free of all karma.
• The path to this freedom is right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct (and related practices like equanimity, repentance, and self-discipline).

Differences between Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions are mainly in disciplinary details, not in the basic definition of ātmā: both agree that the soul is conscious, eternal, and bound by karma, and that liberation is the ultimate goal.

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If you meant something more specific about a swami’s atma (the soul of a monk), the same fundamental understanding applies: a monk’s external vows and practices are means to purify karma and realize the soul’s true nature.