Answer

In Jain Dharma, this hypothetical situation does not arise.

According to Jain philosophy, the number of souls is infinite. Souls have existed from beginningless time and will continue to exist. Some souls attain moksha, but it is not accepted in Jain tradition that “all souls” will one day attain moksha and worldly life will completely end.

So, there will not be a time when all animals, plants, microorganisms, and other living beings disappear because every soul has attained liberation.

Explanation

Jain Dharma teaches that the universe is beginningless and endless. The cycle of worldly existence continues because:

• There are infinite souls.
• Many souls are still bound by karma.
• Only those souls that destroy all karmas attain moksha.
• Liberated souls never return to worldly birth.

Animals, plants, microorganisms, humans, heavenly beings, and hellish beings are all forms in which worldly souls may take birth according to their karmas.

But since worldly souls are infinite, Jainism does not teach that all souls will eventually become liberated and the world will become empty of living beings.

Spiritual Understanding

This teaching helps us understand two things:

• Moksha is possible for each individual soul through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Worldly existence continues for souls that remain bound by karma.

So the focus in Jain Dharma is not on imagining the end of all worldly life, but on purifying one’s own soul and progressing toward liberation.

Takeaway

In Jain understanding, infinite souls exist, and not all attain moksha at one time. Therefore, worldly living beings such as animals, plants, and microorganisms will not completely disappear due to universal liberation.