Jiva

In Jainism, the jiva is analogous to the soul. Jainists believe that the jiva, often via reincarnation, can eventually transcend the miseries of life; thus escaping samsara, via moksha; in order to accomplish this, one should strive to avoid materialism and seek to "purify" one's personal ethics -- one who accomplishes this, is a Jina (winner or conqueror).

See also: Tirthankara

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