In Jain Dharma, the pure nature of all jivas/atmas is the same — consciousness, knowledge, bliss, and infinite potential. So in the essential sense, there is no difference in the soul itself.

The difference appears because of:

1. Karma bondage

Each soul has a different amount and type of karmic matter attached to it.

1. Different levels of development

One soul may be more deluded, one less deluded; one may have more right understanding, another less.

1. Different bodies and life forms

Because of karma, souls are embodied in different physical forms, species, genders, capacities, and lifespans.

1. Different states of consciousness

The soul’s original nature is pure, but in worldly life it is covered by karmas, so its expression seems different.

Jain understanding in simple words

• Atma in essence is one type only.
• Differences are not in the soul’s true nature, but in karmic condition.
• When karmas are completely destroyed, every soul manifests its full, equal, pure nature.

Example

Just as the same sun is reflected differently in clean water, muddy water, still water, or a broken pot, similarly the same soul-nature appears different because of karmic coverings.

So, in Jain philosophy:

• Soul is not different in essence
• Appearance and state of soul are different because of karma

This is why Jain Dharma teaches liberation: when karmas are removed, the soul reveals its true, identical, pure reality.