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Šramana, Vol. 59, No. 1
Janury-March 2008
Concept of Jiva in Jaina Metaphysics
Dr. Vijaya Kumar*
Jainism is one of the Gramanic systems of the Indian tradition. It is also an atheistic school of Indian philosophy. In the Jaina metaphysics the ultimate reality has been named as 'Padártha', “Tattva', 'Sat', 'Vastu' etc. In English it is called 'substance.' Umāsvāti in his very famous book Tattvärthasūtra has discussed seven types of Tattval
Jiva, Ajiva, Aśrava, Sarvara, Nirjarā and Mokşa
The universe is full of Jiva and Ajiva which are eternal i.e. uncreated and everlasting. Jiva is conscious while Ajiva is unconscious.
"Jiva is generally the same as the Atman or the Purusa in other pluralistic schools with this important difference that it is identified with life of which consciousness is said to be the essence. Like the monads of Leibnitz, the Jivas of Jainism are qualitatively alike and only qualitatively different and the whole universe is literally filled with them. Characterastic of Jiva
Jīva has been characterized as 'Upayogo Lakşanaṁ.' It means Upayoga is the characteristic of Jiva. Upayoga denotes the power of knowing. The power of knowing may be seen in consciousness. Where there is no consciousness there can be found no power of knowing. Therefore, Jiva may be known as possessed of consciousness (cetanā). Upayoga consists of knowledge (Jñāna) and faith (Darsana). But every Jiva whether it is small undeveloped insect or developed human being, possesses four infinites (Ananta Catuştaya).
* Lecturer, Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi
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