Answer

In Jain Dharma, the one asking to be liberated is the jiva itself.

From its true nature, the jiva is inherently pure, conscious, and capable of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. But in worldly existence, that same jiva is bound by karma due to passions, attachment, aversion, and ignorance.

So the answer is:

• In its essential nature, the jiva is pure and has the capacity for liberation.
• In its worldly condition, the jiva is bound by karmic matter.
• Through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, the bound jiva becomes liberated.

Explanation

Jainism does not say that bondage is the soul’s permanent nature. Bondage is an acquired condition caused by karma.

A helpful way to understand this is: a pure jewel may be covered with dust. The dust does not become the true nature of the jewel, yet as long as it remains, the jewel’s brilliance is obscured.

Similarly, the soul’s true nature is pure consciousness, but karmic bondage covers its natural qualities.

The one who asks, “Who am I?” or “How can I be free?” is still in bondage at the practical level. But that very questioning can become a step toward awakening, because it turns the soul inward toward its own nature.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, liberation is not the creation of something new. It is the complete removal of karmic bondage so that the soul’s own natural purity shines fully.

The liberated soul, called siddha, is not newly made pure. Rather, it has become free from all karmic coverings and exists in its natural state of perfect knowledge, perfect perception, infinite bliss, and infinite energy.

Takeaway

The one seeking liberation is the jiva that is presently bound by karma. Yet that same jiva, in its deepest nature, is capable of becoming fully free.

The path of Jain Dharma is the movement from the soul’s bound condition to the realization of its pure, liberated nature.