Here is a simple, Jain-dharma-centered view of jiva at micro scales, kept within the traditional framework and noting where texts differ.

• What “jiva” means at the smallest scale

- Jiva is the living, conscious substance. At the micro level, Jain texts describe jiva as consisting of individual jiva atoms that possess sentience. These atoms can come together in different configurations to form larger living beings. - Each jiva atom has some basic life-principle (consciousness) and is capable of feeling, perception, and volition, depending on its developmental stage and the karmic condition it carries.

• How micro-scale jiva relates to senses and knowledge

- In Jain philosophy, the power of a jiva (to perceive, know, feel) grows with the number of senses that a jiva possesses. The classical schema enlarges from single-sense, dual-sense, up to multi-sense jivas, with the human (and some higher beings) regarded as having more developed sense-organ capabilities. - The micro-scale view explains how a jiva’s sense faculties arise from aggregations of jiva atoms that carry appropriate types of consciousness and work with corresponding karmic imprints.

• Karmic influence at the micro level

- Karmic particles attach to jiva atoms and affect their experiences. The micro-description emphasizes how subtle karmic bondage operates at the level of individual jiva atoms, altering perceptions, emotions, and the potential for liberation. - Liberation (moksha) is achieved when a jiva rises above karmic attachment, gradually purifying and shedding karmic dravya, thereby transforming the micro-level jiva into a liberated, pure consciousness.

• Key differences between Digambar and Shwetambar perspectives (micro-scale notes)

- Both traditions agree on the basic idea that jiva is made of sentient atoms and that karma binds these atoms. - The emphasis or terminology describing micro-structure can vary in philosophical detail (for example, how many senses are attributed to different grades of jiva and the precise mechanics of how jiva atoms combine). These differences are typically technical and do not alter the core Jain understanding that jiva is conscious, atomic in micro-scale, and evolves through karma toward liberation.

• How to study this in primary texts

- Look for discussions on jiva as a substance and on atomistic description of living beings, especially in digested summaries of tattva (ontology) and in sections that describe how karma affects the soul at a granular level. - Where you see differences between Digambar and Shwetambar commentaries, note the traditional distinction but recognize that both school teachings uphold the same fundamental micro-scale view of jiva as conscious atoms influenced by karma.

If you’d like, I can point you to specific Jain texts that discuss jiva’s ontology, atomistic description, and karma in more detail, and I’ll keep to the traditional meanings without mixing in non-Jain ideas.