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nigoda
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nigoda

Jaina philosophy
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In Jain philosophy, nigoda refers to clusters of minute beings that belong to the lowest class of jivas, or living souls. These jivas possess only the sense of touch and undergo basic functions like respiration and metabolism. The entire universe is considered to be packed with nigodas.1

Jain reality is divided into two components: jiva (soul) and ajiva (non-soul). Jivas are characterized by consciousness, bliss, and energy. In their pure state, jivas are liberated from the cycle of rebirth. However, most jivas are bound by karmas, which are material particles generated by actions that attach to the soul. Nigodas represent souls that have little hope of progressing to a higher spiritual or bodily state and are considered to be the source of souls that replace those that have achieved liberation (moksha).21

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Jainism - Jiva and ajiva
  2. jiva

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