Jiva is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, referring to the individual soul or living being. The term Jiva (from the Sanskrit root “jiv,” meaning “to live”) represents the essence of life and consciousness that animates all living entities. It is a core concept in various Indian philosophical systems, including Vedanta, Sankhya, and Yoga, and plays a significant role in understanding the nature of existence, the self, and the cycle of birth and rebirth (संसार Saṃsāra).

Nature of Jiva:

1. Individual Soul: • The Jiva is considered the individual soul, distinct from the physical body and mind. It is the eternal, indestructible essence that inhabits the body and experiences the world through the senses and mind.
2. Consciousness and Life: • The Jiva is the source of consciousness and life in a being. It is through the Jiva that living entities experience existence, possess self-awareness, and engage in actions.
3. Distinct from the Supreme Self (आत्मन् Atman/ब्रह्मन् Brahman): • In many philosophical traditions, Jiva is distinguished from the Atman or Brahman, the universal soul or absolute reality. While Atman is the pure, unchanging, universal consciousness, Jiva is the individual consciousness that, due to ignorance (Avidya), perceives itself as separate from the whole.
4. Karma and Samsara : • The Jiva is subject to the law of Karma, which dictates that actions performed in life lead to corresponding consequences in this life or future lives. This cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is known as Samsara. The Jiva continues to transmigrate through different bodies and lifetimes until it attains liberation (Moksha).

Relationship with the Body and Mind:

• Embodiment: • The Jiva enters a physical body and becomes embodied. This embodiment gives rise to the false identification of the self with the body and mind, leading to the perception of individuality and separation from the universal consciousness. • Mind and Ego: • The Jiva interacts with the world through the mind and senses, and its experience is colored by the Ahankara (ego), which creates a sense of individual identity.

Liberation (Moksha):

• Goal of Life: • In many Hindu traditions, the ultimate goal for the Jiva is to realize its true nature, which is identical with Atman or Brahman, and to attain liberation from the cycle of Samsara . This realization comes from overcoming ignorance and understanding the unity of the individual soul with the universal soul. • Path to Liberation: • Various paths, such as Jnana (knowledge), Bhakti (devotion), Karma (selfless action), and Raja Yoga (meditation and discipline), are prescribed to help the Jiva transcend its limited identity and achieve Moksha.

Influence in Indian Philosophy and Religion:

The concept of Jiva is central to understanding the spiritual framework of Hinduism and other Indian religions like Jainism and Buddhism, though each interprets the concept differently. In Hinduism, Jiva is not just a philosophical idea but also a key element in the spiritual practices aimed at self-realization and liberation.

Hindu Lexicon

Jiva

Sankhya

Vedanta