Jainism teaches that every drop of water contains countless living beings (jeevs). According to Jain philosophy, water is considered a living substance (dravya), and it is believed that there are innumerable microscopic aquatic beings (water-bodied souls, or "aprakaya jeev") present in even a single drop of water. Jain scriptures do not specify an exact number, but emphasize that the number is extremely large and beyond human comprehension.

Because of this, Jain ethics teaches great care in the use of water, advocating minimal use and the avoidance of harming these tiny life forms as part of the principle of ahimsa (non-violence). This is why Jain monks and nuns filter water before drinking it and avoid activities that unnecessarily waste or pollute water.