Answer

In Jain Dharma, agnikāya jīva are not understood as “the chemical reaction itself.” They are understood as subtle living beings associated with fire.

So even if science explains visible fire as oxidation or another chemical process, Jainism says that the physical process and the living principle are not the same thing.

Explanation

From a Jain point of view:

• Science explains how fire happens physically — fuel, oxygen, heat, and reaction.
• Jain philosophy explains what kinds of living beings may be present in or associated with that fire.

In Jain thought, a jīva is not defined only by whether it has a body like an animal or human. Jīva is defined by consciousness, even in extremely subtle forms.

So the idea is:

• The flame we see is the material/fire process.
• The agnikāya jīvas are subtle life forms related to that fire-body.
• The chemical reaction is the gross physical side; Jainism speaks of the living beings connected with it.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches deep non-violence and carefulness toward all forms of life, even subtle ones.

That is why fire is treated with respect in Jain conduct. The teaching reminds us:

• not to be careless with fire,
• not to harm living beings unnecessarily,
• to cultivate sensitivity toward all forms of life, seen and unseen.

The purpose is not to deny physical science. The purpose is to develop ahimsa and humility before the vastness of life.

Takeaway

In short, oxidation explains the material process of fire, while Jainism explains the presence of subtle living beings associated with that fire. They are two different frameworks, and Jain Dharma uses this teaching to deepen compassion and non-violence.