Jeeva

Jeeva (Soul) – Classification as per Jeeva Vichara Prakarana

Introduction

Jain philosophy describes Jeeva (soul) as an eternal, conscious entity that exists independently of the body. It is distinct from Ajiva (non-living substances) and experiences birth and death due to karmic bondage. Based on Jeeva Vichara Prakarana, souls are classified into various categories, ultimately helping us understand the path to liberation.

1. Mukta (Liberated) and Sansari (Worldly) Jeeva

Jeevas are first divided into two main types:

A. Mukta Jeeva (Liberated Souls)

• These souls have completely destroyed all karma and attained moksha.

• They reside in Siddhashila, free from birth, death, and suffering.

• They no longer interact with the physical world.

B. Sansari Jeeva (Worldly Souls)

• These souls are still trapped in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

• They experience pleasure, pain, and karma accumulation.

• They are further classified into Sthavara (immobile) and Trasa (mobile) Jeeva.

---

2. Classification of Sansari Jeeva

Sansari Jeevas are divided into Sthavara (one-sensed beings) and Trasa (multi-sensed beings).

A. Sthavara Jeeva (Immobile Beings - One-Sensed)

• These beings possess only the sense of touch.

• They cannot move and are further classified into five types:

1. Prithvikaya (Earth-bodied beings) – Sand, rocks, mountains, clay.

2. Apkaya (Water-bodied beings) – Water drops, oceans, dew.

3. Teukaya (Fire-bodied beings) – Flames, lightning, burning substances.

4. Vayukaya (Air-bodied beings) – Wind, gases, breezes.

5. Vanaspatikaya (Plant-bodied beings) – Trees, grass, vines.

Subcategories of Vanaspatikaya

• Pratyeka Vanaspatikaya – Individual plants, where each unit has a separate soul (e.g., banana tree, mango tree). It exists only in Baadara form.

• Sadharan Vanaspatikaya (Anantakaya or Nigoda) – Multiple souls sharing the same body (e.g., grass, algae, fungi). It exists in two forms:

  • Sukshma Nigoda – Subtle, microscopic Nigoda beings.

  • Baadara Nigoda – Larger, visible Nigoda beings.

• All other Sthavara Jeevas (Prithvikaya, Apkaya, Teukaya, Vayukaya) exist in two forms:

  • Sukshma (Subtle form)

  • Baadara (Gross form)

Note: All Sthavara Jeevas are Asanjni (without reasoning ability).

---

B. Trasa Jeeva (Mobile Beings - More Than One-Sensed)

• These beings have two or more senses and can move.

• Divided into Vikalendriya (incomplete-sensed) and Panchendriya (complete-sensed) beings.

1. Vikalendriya (Beings with 2, 3, or 4 senses)

• Dwi-Indriya (Two-Sensed Beings) – Touch & Taste (e.g., worms, leeches).

• Tri-Indriya (Three-Sensed Beings) – Touch, Taste & Smell (e.g., ants, lice).

• Chatur-Indriya (Four-Sensed Beings) – Touch, Taste, Smell & Vision (e.g., flies, bees, mosquitoes).

2. Panchendriya (Beings with Five Senses)

• These beings possess all five senses (Touch, Taste, Smell, Vision, and Hearing).

• Further classified into four categories:

  1. Deva (Celestial Beings) – Gods in various heavens (Swarga).

  2. Naraka (Hell Beings) – Suffering souls in hells (Naraka).

  3. Tiryancha (Animals and Birds) – All non-human, non-divine beings.

  4. Manushya (Humans) – The only beings capable of attaining liberation (moksha).

---

3. The 563 Classifications of Jeeva

The classification of 563 types of Jeeva as described in Jeeva Vichara Prakarana:

A. Sthavara Jeeva (Immobile Beings) - 22 Types

• Five categories: Prithvikaya, Apkaya, Teukaya, Vayukaya, Vanaspatikaya.

• Each (except Pratyeka Vanaspatikaya) classified into Sukshma and Baadara.

• Further divided into Paryapta and Aparyapta.

• Total = 22 classifications.

B. Trasa Jeeva (Mobile Beings) - 541 Types

• Vikalendriya Jeeva (2, 3, 4 senses) - 6 Types (Each further Paryapta and Aparyapta)

• Panchendriya Jeeva - 535 Types:

  • Tiryanch (Animals) - 20 Types (Garbhaj & Sammurchhim, then Paryapta & Aparyapta)

  • Naraka (Hellish Beings) - 14 Types (Paryapta & Aparyapta)

  • Manushya (Humans) - 303 Types

    • Karmabhumi (15), Akarmabhumi (30), Antardweep (56) → 101 types.

    • Each Garbhaj Manushya → Paryapta & Aparyapta (Sammurchhim Manushya are only Aparyapta).

  • Deva (Celestial Beings) - 198 Types

    • Bhavanapati (25), Vyantara (26), Jyotishka (10), Vaimanika (38) → 99 types.

    • Each further divided into Paryapta and Aparyapta.

Summary:

• Sthavara Jeeva = 22 classifications

• Trasa Jeeva = 541 classifications

• Total = 563 classifications of Jeeva

---

Conclusion

This classification of Jeeva helps us understand the diversity of life forms in Jain cosmology. It also emphasizes the importance of non-violence (Ahimsa) by showing that all living beings, from a tiny water drop to a celestial god, possess a soul. Only through right faith, knowledge, and conduct can a Jeeva move towards moksha and become a Siddha.

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)