Jiva

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".

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.

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.

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.

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

See also

• Jivanmukta
• Consciousness
• Muni
• Tirthankar

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

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