What is a Jiv in the Nav Tattvas

The Nav Tattvas, or nine fundamental principles in Jain philosophy, include Jīva as one of the primary tattvas. Jīva refers to the living soul, which is distinct from non-living matter (Ajīva). It embodies consciousness (caitanya) and is capable of perception, knowledge, and experience. Each Jīva is eternal and undergoes cycles of birth and rebirth influenced by karmic particles. The soul's true nature is pure and blissful, but it becomes obscured by karmic influx (āsrava) and bondage (bandha). Liberation (mokṣa) is achieved when the soul is freed from all karmic impurities, revealing its innate qualities of infinite knowledge (ananta jñāna), perception (ananta darśana), bliss (ananta sukha), and energy (ananta vīrya). Thus, in the Nav Tattvas, Jīva represents the sentient principle that experiences the consequences of karmic actions and strives for liberation through self-realization and ethical conduct.