Answer

In Jainism, the soul is called jīva. It is the living, conscious essence within every living being. It is eternal, pure, and distinct from the body, mind, and senses.

Explanation

The soul in Jain Dharma has these important qualities:

• Consciousness — it knows and experiences.
• Eternity — it is not born and does not die with the body.
• Individuality — each soul is unique.
• Natural purity — in its true state, the soul has infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, and infinite energy.

However, the soul becomes bound by karma. Because of karma, it experiences birth, death, joy, sorrow, and different life forms. Jain practice helps the soul shed karma and return to its pure state.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism teaches that the soul is the real self. The body is temporary, but the soul continues its journey through many lives.

Understanding the soul helps a person:

• develop detachment from the body and possessions
• practice compassion toward all living beings
• live with self-control, purity, and non-violence
• work toward liberation, called moksha

Takeaway

The soul is the true, eternal self in Jainism. It is pure by nature, but karma covers its qualities. The goal of Jain life is to purify the soul and free it from bondage.