In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva (Sanskrit: जीव, jīva alternate spelling, jiwa) is a living being^[1], or more specifically the immortal essence of a living being (human, animal, fish or plant etc...) which survives physical death^[2][3]. It has a very similar usage to 'atma', but whereas atma refers to 'the cosmic self', 'jiva' is used to denote an individual 'living entity' or 'living being' specifically.^[4] The word itself originates from the Sanskrit Jivás, with the root jīv- 'to breathe'. It has the same Indo-European root as the Latin word Vivus: "Alive".

[edit] Definition

In the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism the jiva is described as immutable, eternal, and indestructible. It is said not to be a product of the material world (Prakrti), but of a higher 'spiritual' nature^[5]. At the point of physical death the jiva takes a new physical body depending on karma and the individual desires and necessities of the particular jiva in question.

For further explanations see reincarnation and transmigration.

[edit] Goals

Some Jain and Hindu scriptures describe the ultimate goal of the jiva as being one or more of the following (depending on the particular philosophical tradition):

• 'liberation' from material existence (moksha)
• obtaining pure love of God (bhakti)
• or becoming liberated from the happiness and distress of the world, while still being existent within it (jivanmukta).

For further information see Dharmic Religions.

[edit] In Fiction

Jiva is the name of one of the main characters in Karmatrón, the Mexican comic book.

Certain characters in author Jennifer Roberson's Sword-Dancer series wield magical swords called jivatmas which contain the essences of vanquished opponents.

Jivas play a recurring role in the comics of Jim Woodring.

[edit] References

1. ^ Bhagavad Gita 7.5 "Besides these, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities [jiva] who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature."
2. ^ Brahma Samhita 5.21 "The same jiva is eternal and is for eternity and without a beginning"
3. ^ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita, a New Translation and Commentary, Chapter 1-6. Penguin Books, 1969, p 98 (v 18)
4. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=kO8-980xGk8C&pg=PA32&dq=hiranyagarba&ei=gCnrSaGyLZLQMu3AmaQB The Philosophy of Person: Solidarity and Cultural Creativity, Jozef Tichner and George McClean, 1994, p. 32
5. ^ Bhagavad Gita 7.5

[edit] See also

• Jivanmukta
• Consciousness
• Muni
• Tirthankar

Please Refer The Book 'Shri Abaji Bapashri ni Vato" Part:01 and Part:02

[edit] External links

• 'Jiva' - usage in Puranic scripture

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Please Refer The Book 'Shri Abaji Bapashri ni Vato" Part:01 and Part:02