In Jainism, it is taught that all living beings possess a soul (jīva), and the capacity for sensation (indriyas) varies according to the number of senses each being has. According to Jain philosophy, plants (including leaves) are considered one-sensed beings (ekendriya jīva). They possess the sense of touch (sparśendriya) only. This means that leaves, as part of plants, do have a form of sensation, but it is limited only to touch.

Jain scriptures emphasize non-violence (ahiṃsā) toward all living beings, including plants, because they too have life and can experience some form of sensation, albeit in a very basic way. This is why Jains practice great care to minimize harm to all living creatures, including plants.