Answer

No. In mainstream Jain understanding, an abhavya jiva was never bhavya.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, bhavya means a jiva that has the capacity to attain moksha eventually, while abhavya means a jiva that does not have that capacity.

So these are not just temporary stages. They describe the soul’s inherent spiritual disposition.

• A bhavya jiva may wander in संसार for a very long time, but it has the potential for liberation.
• An abhavya jiva does not have that liberation-capacity at all.

Therefore, an abhavya soul is not considered a soul that “used to be bhavya and became abhavya.”

Spiritual Understanding

This teaching reminds us that Jain Dharma emphasizes:

• the rarity of the human opportunity,
• the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct,
• and sincere effort on the path of liberation.

Since we do not know our own status, we should live as if liberation is possible and cultivate dharma with full sincerity.

Takeaway

An abhavya jiva is not regarded as ever having been bhavya. Bhavya and abhavya are understood as intrinsic classifications in Jain philosophy.