In Jainism, the soul is not separated by some outside force from the living being; rather, the soul is covered and bound by karma. The jīva is pure and conscious by nature, but due to karmic bondage it appears joined with the body and worldly life.

So, what “separates” or obscures the soul is karma-pudgala — subtle karmic matter. When karma is destroyed through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, and spiritual discipline, the soul becomes free.

In simple words: Karma binds the soul; liberation releases it.