In Jainism, jivas

Question

In Jainism, jivas

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the nature of jivas in Jainism and provides the statement that 'jivas are eternal and completely without form.'

Option assessment:
- Statement under consideration: 'jivas are eternal and completely without form.'
  In Jain philosophy, jiva (the individual soul) is indeed considered eternal (anant-abhav, meaning boundless in time). This aligns with the core Jain view that jivas are beginningless and endless in duration.
  Regarding form, Jainism differentiates between matter (pudgala) and soul (jiva). The jiva is described as a conscious, sentient substance that is non-material and distinct from physical matter. In this sense, jiva is often described as formless or without gross material form. However, it is not without structure entirely: the jiva possesses intrinsic qualities such as perception, knowledge, and bliss, and its apparent 'form' can be seen as the organization of these conscious attributes rather than a physical body.

Why this statement is considered correct in this context: since Jainism emphasizes the immaterial, pure-consciousness nature of the soul and its eternal existence, stating that jivas are eternal and without material form captures the essential metaphysical distinction between jiva and matter. The emphasis on formlessness highlights that the jiva is not a material entity, even though it can reside in or animate a body through karma.

Why there might be nuance and potential confusion: some readers may worry that jivas ‘have form’ because they experience consciousness and virtue or vice, or because they inhabit bodies. In Jainism, those embodied states are due to karmic bonding, not because the jiva possesses a gross physical form. So while the jiva is not physical matter, it does possess a structured, conscious personality and capabilities; calling it 'completely without form' is a way of stressing the non-material nature rather than denying any organization of consciousness.

In summary, the statement aligns with the key Jain teaching that the jiva is eternal and non-material in nature, i.e., formless in terms of physical form, while still comprising a conscious, organized essence that differentiates it from inert matter.

rel_110_120251_244614 Quiz 6

In Jainism, jivas

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