. (1) Jiva (soul): All living beings are called Jivas. Jivas have consciousness known as the soul, which is also called the atma (soul - chetan).

The soul and body are two different entities. The soul can not be reproduced.
It is described as a sort of energy which is indestructible, invisible, and shapeless. Jainism divides jivas into five categories ranging from one-sensed beings to five-sensed beings.
The body is merely a home for the soul. At the time of death, the soul leaves the body to occupy a new one.

Tirthankaras have said that the soul has an infinite capacity to know and perceive. This capacity of the soul is not experienced in its present state, because of accumulated karmas.

2. Ajiva (non living matter): Anything that is not a soul is called ajiva. Ajiva does not have consciousness. Jainism divides ajiva in five broad categories: dharmastikay (medium of motion), adharmastikay (medium of rest), akashastikay (space), pudgalastikay (matter), and ...more