Significance of Jiva
Jiva, across various philosophical perspectives like Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others, refers to the individual soul or living being enduring cycles of existence and spiritual experiences. It signifies the essence of life, embodying consciousness that undergoes birth, death, and rebirth influenced by actions and karma. Jiva is characterized as both distinct from and interconnected with the divine, representing the eternal self seeking liberation and understanding its true nature in the context of material and spiritual domains.
Synonyms: Soul, Spirit, Life force, Vital energy, Consciousness, Self
In Dutch: Jiva
In Finnish: Jiva
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Jiva'
In Buddhism, Jiva symbolizes the soul, highlighting parallels with Vedantic philosophies while exploring its existence and understanding in both traditions, emphasizing the nuanced perspectives on the nature of self and liberation.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the concept of the soul, drawing comparisons between its existence or understanding in both Buddhist and Vedantic philosophies.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Jiva'
In Hinduism, Jiva represents the individual soul or consciousness, eternally distinct yet interconnected with the Supreme Brahman. It experiences the cycles of life, influenced by karmas and the attributes of nature, seeking liberation and understanding.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The individual soul or self that experiences duality and is bound by ignorance (avidya) until realization of Brahman occurs.[2] (2) The individual soul or life force entering the physical world through the process of birth.[3] (3) The individual soul or living being, which is argued to be essentially non-different from Brahman, therefore questioning the concept of Brahman's entry.[4] (4) The individual soul or self that experiences worldly existence and the cycle of birth and death.[5] (5) The individual soul that can be purified and become one with Brahman.[6]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The term 'jiva' refers to the individual soul or living being that is distinct from the ultimate reality of Brahman.[7] (2) The individual soul or consciousness that is different from the body, mind, and senses.[8] (3) The jiva is recognized as a knower, agent, and enjoyer of bodily actions, dependent on Parabrahman for the ability to perform these actions.[9] (4) The jiva refers to the individual self or soul that pervades the mind (buddhi) and acts as the knower, though it is dependent on the higher presence of Parabrahman for true understanding and cognitional ability.[10] (5) Individual souls or beings seeking liberation and enlightenment, who are guided by the teachings of the Guru.[11]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The individual soul or consciousness that is surrounded by the forces of ignorance and can attain liberation through specific spiritual practices.[12] (2) The individual soul or conscious being, which is subject to the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth.[13] (3) The individual soul or the living entity that identifies with the body and mind.[14] (4) The jiva denotes the individual soul or ego that experiences worldly existence.[15] (5) The individual soul or consciousness that identifies with the senses (indriyas) and experiences life.[16]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Beings or entities that encompass individual Atmans, which are considered ever unattached and unrelated to external objects.[17] (2) The individual soul that, according to Gaudapada, is identical to Brahman, signifying the metaphysics underlying the existence of individual beings.[18] (3) The embodied being, imagined first, which is the nature of cause and effect, characterized by personal experiences such as happiness and misery.[19] (4) The individual self or soul that experiences both waking and dream states, characterized by different levels of consciousness.[20] (5) Refers to the individual soul or conscious being, which seeks understanding of the Atman through concentration.[21]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The sentient being or soul that is distinct from the Lord but somewhat interacts with Him through perception and experience.[22] (2) The individual soul or conscious being, subject to the cycle of birth and rebirth.[23] (3) The individual soul, which requires a distinction from the Supreme, to attain release from the cycle of birth and death.[24] (4) The individual soul that experiences life and is influenced by desires and objects.[25] (5) The individual soul that experiences the consequences of actions and is subject to the cycles of birth and rebirth.[26]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The individual soul or self that experiences life, apparent happiness, and misery, but is fundamentally unattached.[27] (2) The individual self or living entity, contrasting with Brahman and not representative of the ultimate reality.[28] (3) Another term for the individual soul, indicating its identity with Brahman and its inherent nature of not being created.[29] (4) Individual souls that give enjoyment to the gods while also experiencing happiness and joy themselves.[30] (5) The individual soul or self, whose true nature is eternal and identical with Brahman, yet experiences individuality in a temporal context.[31]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The individual soul or consciousness that experiences different states of existence and ultimately seeks to transcend misconceptions to attain the goal of Turiya.[32] (2) Refers to the individual soul or living being that undergoes experiences through different states of consciousness.[33] (3) The individual soul, which is affected by bondage and causation.[34] (4) Jiva refers to the individual soul, which engages in meditation and worship to attain similarity and ultimately equality with the divine attributes.[35]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The individual soul or self that undergoes the experience of existence within the cycle of samsara.[36] (2) The individual soul that is said to be ever liberated once the limiting factors (upadhi) are extinguished.[37] (3) The individual's soul or life force, which is a manifestation of Brahman in a multiplicity of forms within the universe.[38]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The individual soul or consciousness that experiences life and is described as departing at the time of death.[39] (2) The individual self that experiences existence and is linked to worldly experiences and the cycle of re-birth.[40] (3) The individual soul or self in a person, viewed as a manifestation of the supreme self (Atman) in the empirical world.[41]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Souls or living entities whose understanding and liberation depend on meditation and the teachings of the Brahma.[42] (2) The individual soul that experiences dreaming and deep sleep, and is distinct from the Devas which do not sleep.[43]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The living self or individual soul, subject to the cycles of bondage and release, and distinguished from the highest Self.[44] (2) The individualized soul or life force that experiences existence in the physical world, subject to the cycle of death and rebirth.[45]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The individual soul or self that experiences the material world and ultimately seeks connection with Brahman.[46] (2) The souls or individual consciousnesses that are produced from the Imperishable and are similar in essence to one another.[47]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The individual soul or living being, which is different from the Supreme Brahman.[48] (2) A term referring to the individual soul or living being in the context of spiritual philosophy.[49]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Referred to as the individual soul that engages in all activities on the relative plane and is influenced by previous desires.[50] (2) The notion of an individual soul or living being, which is often viewed as distinct from the eternal self or Atman.[51]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The individual soul in Hindu philosophy which undergoes cycles of birth and death, distinct from the eternal nature of Brahman.[52] (2) Refers to the individual soul or self, distinguished from the Supreme Self, and is seen as having a different nature.[53]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The individual soul or being that seeks satisfaction through external objects and experiences.[54]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) Sentient beings or souls, which in the context of this text refers to entities such as Indra.[55]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The enjoyer or individual soul that occupies the body and experiences grief due to ignorance and desire.[56]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The embodied souls that go to different places based on the effects of their Karmas.[57] (2) Embodied souls that experience desire and fate in the universe.[58] (3) Souls or beings caught in the cycle of existence, bound by their actions and emotions.[59] (4) A term referring to living beings or souls, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Devi as the mother of all life forms.[60] (5) An individual soul that experiences life and personal identity, often trapped in the illusions of Avidya.[61]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individual souls that are unable to perceive the Supreme Ruler due to their limited faculties.[62] (2) The individual soul or spirit which is temporary and experiences various forms of existence, questioning its relationships and the nature of life.[63] (3) Embodied beings who are involved in the cycle of birth, transmigration, and experiences in various other-worldly regions.[64] (4) The individual soul responsible for actions influenced by ignorance and undergoing cycles of rebirth.[65] (5) The individual soul that is influenced by worldly bindings and perceptions created by the gunas.[66]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The individual soul or self that experiences life and is often entangled in the dualities of pleasure and pain.[67] (2) Individual souls or entities that arise from the Brahmic state and undergo cycles of birth and rebirth influenced by their Karmas.[68] (3) Jiva refers to the individual soul or living entity, which undergoes experiences based on its delusions and attachments in the material world.[69] (4) Jiva represents the individual soul or life force that experiences existence within the material world.[70] (5) The individual soul or ego, which experiences the world through the lens of the mind.[71]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Living beings in the world, often in pursuit of dharma (duty) and moksha (liberation).[72] (2) The knower encased in subtle form that resides within the gross body produced by vital seed.[73] (3) The individual self or soul that is distinct from the body, capable of creating its own experiences and perceptions of happiness and sorrow.[74] (4) The individual soul or living entity that goes through cycles of birth and rebirth.[75] (5) The individual life force or spirit in Hindu philosophy, often associated with the cycle of birth and rebirth.[76]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The living principle or soul that resides within the physical body.[77] (2) The individual soul or living entity in the context of the narrative about Satyabhama and her rebirth as Krishna's spouse.[78] (3) A term used by Brihaspati, indicating the concept of life or the life force, especially in relation to Indra[79] (4) The life force or soul residing within the body, integral to existence.[80] (5) A term for living organisms, highlighting their connection to the divine essence represented by Narayana.[81]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The individual soul or consciousness that exists eternally in a state of knowledge.[82] (2) The great Brahman within the body, described as consciousness that pervades the universe and the objects of the senses.[83]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A term referring to the individual soul or living being, which is believed to have a relationship with shakti in the context of actions and consciousness.[84]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The individual soul that resides within the bodies created, which is a part of Vishnu himself.[85]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The name granted to Brihaspati by Shiva, symbolizing the life gifted to Indra.[86]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Living being; refers to a soul or individual entity in existence.[87] (2) The individual soul that is capable of realizing its true nature through the practice of bhakti.[88] (3) the individual soul; referring to the conscious entities seeking liberation.[89] (4) living beings; refers to spirit souls that exist in a separate but ultimately connected category from Parabrahman.[90] (5) individual spirit souls.[91]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The individual souls that experience birth and life, influenced by God's will and energy.[92] (2) The individual soul or living being, whose relation to God and the ultimate state is debated in the context of Yoga.[93] (3) The living soul or individual self that engages in worship and is found in a state of bondage or liberation.[94] (4) The individual soul or consciousness, which is believed to be misunderstood or misrepresented by various philosophical views, particularly in relation to its existence and nature.[95] (5) The individual soul that experiences life and its various misadventures, particularly in relation to the absolute truth.[96]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The individual soul or living entity that experiences the material world and its designations.[97] (2) the eternal individual living entity.[98] (3) The living entity, which is a minute part of the Supreme Absolute Truth, endowed with consciousness.[99] (4) The living entity or soul seeking liberation from material bondage through devotion to God.[100] (5) Refers to the living entities or souls; in this context, it emphasizes their duty to worship Shri Gaurasundara.[101]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Living beings that enjoy the material fruits in the universe.[102] (2) The marginal potency of the Lord, representing individual living entities that derive from the divine source.[103] (3) A term referring to the individual souls or living entities, which are considered parts of the Lord's marginal energy.[104] (4) A marginal potency, referring to individual living entities.[105]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Sentient beings with unique propensities, wisdom, and Karma, indicating their distinct existences.[106] (2) The individual soul, representing the essence of a living being, distinct yet part of the larger reality.[107] (3) The individual soul that experiences various states, contrasting its experiences of happiness and suffering.[108]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A term for living entities, which are considered inferior to the Supreme Lord in the context of the discussed philosophy.[109] (2) Souls or living entities who are experiencing material existence.[110]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An individual soul or living entity.[111]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The individual souls or living beings that experience existence and seek transcendence.[112]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The individual self or soul within the context of Indian philosophy, perceived as a fragment of the divine essence.[113] (2) The embodied spirit in Indian philosophy that experiences the duality of existence.[114] (3) Jiva, or individual self, experiences the world of duality and limitation, appearing separate from the Supreme.[115] (4) The individual soul or self that is capable of thought and action, and whose competency is influenced by one's readiness and understanding.[116]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The individual soul that experiences the fruit of its karmas.[117] (2) The individual souls or living beings, which the Atman controls according to their forms.[118]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The individual soul that is bound and characterized as a pashu in Kashmir Shaivism.[119]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) Individual beings or souls that owe their existence and maintenance to the influence of Kundalini.[120] (2) Represents the individual soul or consciousness which is to be united with the Kula-Kundali on the spiritual path.[121]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Individual Souls that emerge from the Supreme Self under the influence of ignorance.[122]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) Jiva comes from jiv meaning to live, emphasizing how mercury aids human beings in living.[123]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) A term within the verse relating to life, contributing to its thematic elements.[124]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The individual soul that experiences the material existence until liberation is attained.[125]
Jain concept of 'Jiva'
In Jainism, Jiva signifies embodied souls with varying sensory capacities, represents living beings with lifespans, and refers to a vital life force. It also symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence experienced by these souls.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A feminine noun meaning bowstring; signifies components of traditional weaponry.[126] (2) A vital principle or life force that descended into King Vasundhara's womb.[127]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Embodied souls that may possess one to five organs of sense or could be non-organ beings (omniscient persons).[128] (2) Refers to a living being that acquires existence and experiences lifespan.[129]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The term for a soul or living being that undergoes cycles of existence and experiences.[130]
The concept of Jiva in local and regional sources
Jiva, or jivatman, is the individual soul that, once liberated from illusion, realizes its true identity with Brahman. It embodies a conditioned self influenced by physical and mental facets, while ultimately existing as pure consciousness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The individual soul that, when freed from illusion, is identical with Brahman according to Sri Samkara's philosophy.[131] (2) The individual soul or consciousness that is believed to exist in the material world but ultimately is identical with Brahman.[132]
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) Also known as 'jivatman', it refers to the individual self, characterized as ego-centric and conditioned by physical and mental aspects.[133]
The concept of Jiva in scientific sources
Jiva denotes the living soul or atma, essential in Indian philosophy, signifying its journey from one existence to another as it enters an embryo, highlighting the continuity of life and the soul's experiences across lifetimes.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The living soul or atma that enters the embryo and continues its existence from one life to another.[134]