According to Mahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj Saheb, “Adhyatma” (Ādhyātma) has a very clear and specific meaning:

He explains it mainly in two ways:

1. As Spiritual Activities (Kriyā):

All those religious / moral actions of a jiva (living soul) - which are done for the true uplift of one’s own soul, - and which help in spiritual progress, are called adhyatma. Example: real samayik, pratikraman, self-restraint, forgiveness, etc., when done only for purification of the soul, not for name, fame, respect, etc.

1. As Inner Purity (Bhāva):

The inner mind (chitta / antaḥkaraṇa) - purified by virtues like maitrī (friendliness), karuṇā (compassion), pramod (rejoicing in others’ virtues), madhyasthata (equanimity), - free from strong attachment and aversion, is also called adhyatma.

After explaining these two, Yashovijayji says that, from the real (anekānt) viewpoint, adhyatma means:

> A union of both – > (1) right spiritual actions + (2) inner purity of feelings, > all centered on the true nature of the soul.

So, in simple words according to Yashovijayji:

• Whatever turns you inward towards your own pure soul,
• and reduces mithyātva (wrong belief), rāga–dveṣa (attachment–aversion),
• in action and in inner feeling,

that is Adhyatma.

About traditions (Digambar / Shvetambar)

• Upadhyaya Yashovijayji is a Śvetāmbara ācārya.
• Digambar texts also define adhyatma in almost the same sense:

spiritual conduct and inner absorption in the pure soul, free from wrong belief, attachment and aversion.

• So there is no real conflict in meaning; wording and examples differ, but the core idea is the same.