Answer

As per Jainism, a person dies when the soul leaves the present body after the completion or interruption of that body’s lifespan karma, called āyuṣya karma.

Death is not the end of the soul. It is only the end of one bodily life. The soul immediately takes another birth according to its karmas, unless it has attained moksha.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, the soul is eternal. The body dies, but the soul never dies.

A living being’s birth, lifespan, body, experiences, and next state of existence are influenced by karmas. Among these, āyuṣya karma determines the duration and type of life in a particular birth.

Death occurs when:

• The current life-span karma comes to an end.
• The soul separates from the physical body.
• The soul then moves to its next birth according to its remaining karmas.

Jainism teaches that at the time of death, one’s inner state is very important. Attachment, anger, fear, greed, or delusion can bind harmful karma, while equanimity, forgiveness, detachment, and remembrance of the soul support spiritual progress.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism does not see death as destruction. It sees death as a transition.

The real “I” is the soul, not the body. The body is temporary, but the soul continues its journey through birth and death until it becomes free from all karmas and attains moksha.

That is why Jain Dharma emphasizes:

• Living with non-violence
• Reducing attachment
• Practicing forgiveness
• Maintaining peace at the time of death
• Remembering the true nature of the soul

Takeaway

As per Jainism, we die when the soul leaves the body due to the fruition or completion of lifespan karma. But the soul itself never dies; it continues until it becomes completely liberated through moksha.