Word glossary

Terms and definitions

Every technical term used in this portal, with a short gloss, a longer note, and the chapters where it matters.

5 terms

Ajīvaअजीव
Non-soul — everything without consciousness.
Comprises pudgala, dharma, adharma, ākāśa and (on one view) kāla. Only pudgala has form.
Chapter 1Chapter 5
Astikāyaअस्तिकाय
An extended substance occupying multiple space-points.
Five: jīva, pudgala, dharma, adharma, ākāśa. Kāla is excluded.
Chapter 5
Jīvaजीव
Soul — the conscious substance.
Defined by upayoga (2.8). Infinite in number, each occupying innumerable space-points, expanding and contracting to the size of the body it inhabits. Divided into transmigrating and liberated.
Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 5
Pāriṇāmikaपारिणामिक
The soul's inherent state, independent of karma.
Three: jīvatva (soulhood), bhavyatva (capacity for liberation) and abhavyatva. The only bhāva requiring no karmic reference at all.
Chapter 2
Tattvaतत्त्व
Reality-category; one of the seven fundamentals.
Jīva, ajīva, āsrava, bandha, saṃvara, nirjarā, mokṣa. Adding puṇya and pāpa gives the nine padārthas of the later tradition.
Chapter 1