Ajiva

/əˈdʒiːvə/ noun

Definition

In Jainism, all non-living matter and force, as opposed to jiva (the living soul or spiritual essence).

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'a-jiva' (non-living), with 'a-' meaning not and 'jiva' meaning life or soul. This is a fundamental theological distinction in Jain philosophy developed over 2,500 years.

Kelly Says

Jainism divides the universe with laser precision into living and non-living—even atoms of dirt are classified—showing how different religions create completely different ways of understanding what 'alive' even means.

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