Jiva
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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
- ^ 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."
- ^ Brahma Samhita 5.21 "The same jiva is eternal and is for eternity and without a beginning"
- ^ Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita, a New Translation and Commentary, Chapter 1-6. Penguin Books, 1969, p 98 (v 18)
- ^ 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
- ^ Bhagavad Gita 7.5
[edit] See also
Please Refer The Book 'Shri Abaji Bapashri ni Vato" Part:01 and Part:02
[edit] External links
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Please Refer The Book 'Shri Abaji Bapashri ni Vato" Part:01 and Part:02
