Answer

In Jain Dharma, Jīva means soul or living being.

A Jīva is that which has consciousness. It can know, feel, experience, and possess life. Every living being has a soul — from humans, animals, birds, insects, plants, and even very tiny life forms.

Explanation

According to Jain philosophy, the universe is made of two main categories:

• Jīva — living substance, soul
• Ajīva — non-living substance, matter, space, time, motion, and rest

A Jīva has natural qualities such as:

• Upayoga — consciousness or awareness
• Jñāna — knowledge
• Darśana — perception
• Sukha — bliss in its pure state
• Vīrya — spiritual energy

Because of karma, the soul takes birth in different forms and experiences happiness, sadness, attachment, anger, pride, greed, and delusion.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that every Jīva is precious. This is why Ahimsa — non-violence — is the highest principle.

When we understand that all living beings have souls, we become more careful in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Takeaway

Jīva means the conscious soul. Every living being has a Jīva, and every Jīva has the potential to become pure and attain moksha.