In Jainism, all living beings are called jīva, but they are divided (from the spiritual point of view) into two main types:

1. Bhavi / Bhavya Jiva (भवि / भव्‍य जीव)

• Meaning: Souls that have the capacity to attain moksha (liberation).
• They can:

- Develop samyak darshan (right faith), - Follow samyak jnān (right knowledge) and samyak chāritra (right conduct), - Gradually destroy karmas and finally become Siddha.

• In simple words:

Bhavi jīva = “Capable of liberation” soul.

2. Abhavi / Abhavya Jiva (अभवि / अभव्‍य जीव)

• Meaning: Souls that do not have the capacity to attain moksha.
• They:

- Will never attain true right faith, - Therefore will never complete the path to liberation, - Remain eternally in saṃsāra (cycle of birth and death).

• In simple words:

Abhavi jīva = “Not capable of liberation” soul.

Important points to remember

• This capacity (bhavyatva / abhavyatva) is considered a natural, eternal property of the soul.
• Ordinary people cannot know who is Bhavi or Abhavi.

- Only Kevalī Bhagwān (omniscient) can know exactly.

• For us, Jain Āgams teach a very practical rule:

- Do not worry: “Am I Bhavi or Abhavi?” - If you have interest in Dharma, questions about moksha, desire to improve, Jain Āchāryas say this itself is a sign of Bhavyatva. - Our duty is simply to follow the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct as much as we can.

You can read a simple explanation on JainKnowledge here: “Bhavya–Abhavya jiva difference” and “What happens to Abhavi jeev”