Jiva-Ajiva
(जीव-अजीव)Literal Meaning
The soul and the non-soul
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From 'jiva' (conscious soul) and 'ajiva' (non-conscious matter); the foundational duality of Jain metaphysics, dividing all of existence into these two categories.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Grasping this distinction is the beginning of liberation — recognizing the pure conscious jiva apart from inert ajiva matter, which even includes karma as a subtle substance.