Biblioteca Vaisnava
Vedic philosophy platform
Biblioteca Vaisnava
Vedic philosophy platform
Jiva
The jiva, or jivatma, is the individual living entity or soul that animates all biological forms of life. In Vedic philosophy, the jiva is an eternal spark of consciousness, distinct from the physical body and the temporary mind. Gaudiya Vaishnava theology defines the jiva as tatastha-sakti, the marginal energy of the Supreme Lord. Being situated between the spiritual and material realms, the jiva has a trace of free will. It can choose to identify with the temporary material world under the influence of illusion (maya), leading to the cycle of reincarnation (samsara), or it can seek alignment with the spiritual realm. Unlike monistic schools that advocate the absorption of the individual soul into an impersonal oneness, Vaishnavism teaches that the jiva retains its individuality eternally. The ultimate goal of the jiva is to awaken its inherent nature as an eternal servant of God (jivera svarupa haya krsnera nitya-dasa), finding complete fulfillment in personal loving service (bhakti).
