JIIVA Meaning and
Definition
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Jiiva is a term originating from Hindu philosophy and is commonly used in Sanskrit and Tamil languages. In Hinduism, jiiva is often interpreted as the embodied soul or the individual essence of a living being. It is a core concept within various schools of Indian philosophy, particularly within Advaita Vedanta, Yogic teachings, and Bhakti traditions.
The term jiiva encompasses the fundamental idea that each living being possesses a unique and eternal essence that identifies them as an individual, distinct from other beings. It is believed to be a spark of consciousness or divine spirit that animates the physical body and enables life and experience.
According to Hindu philosophy, jiiva is considered to be part of the Atman, which represents the ultimate reality or the universal soul. The Atman is believed to be eternal and unchanging, while the jiiva experiences the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, constantly evolving and learning through various lifetimes.
Jiiva is connected to the concepts of karma, dharma, and moksha. The accumulation of karma and fulfillment of one's dharma determine the nature of future rebirths, ultimately influencing the soul's journey towards liberation or moksha – the release from the cycle of birth and death.
In summary, jiiva refers to the individual soul or essence within a living being. It signifies the unique spiritual identity that gives life and consciousness, leading to the exploration and spiritual growth of an individual throughout their various lifetimes.
Etymology of JIIVA
The word "jiiva" has its etymology in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. In Sanskrit, "jiiva" (जीव) means "individual soul" or "living being". It is derived from the root word "jīv" (जीव), which translates to "to live" or "to exist". The concept of "jiiva" is significant in Hindu philosophy, where it refers to the eternal, conscious essence that animates all living entities.
