mukta-jiva

Jainism

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In Jainism, jiva refers to the living, sentient substance, akin to an individual soul. Jivas are eternal and distinct from the bodies they inhabit. In their pure state, known as mukta-jiva, they transcend the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and reside in a state of eternal liberation (moksha).123

Most jivas are bound by karmas, fine material substances that accumulate due to actions and emotions, trapping them in the cycle of rebirth. Jain reality is divided into jiva (soul) and ajiva (non-soul). The ultimate goal in Jainism is the complete purification of the soul, achieved through disciplined practice, nonviolence, and the elimination of karmic particles.1456

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

8 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

jiva
In a pure state (mukta-jiva), they rise to the top of the universe, where they reside with other perfected beings and are never again reborn. Most jivas are, however, bound to samsara (rebirth in mundane earthly existence), because they are covered with karmas—fine particulate substances that accumulate on the…
Read More
In a pure state (mukta-jiva), they rise to the top of the universe, where they reside with other perfected beings and are never again reborn. Most jivas are, however, bound to samsara (rebirth in mundane earthly existence), because they are covered with karmas—fine particulate substances that accumulate on the…
Read More