Question

According to Jainism, choose the correct characteristics of the Jiva (Soul):
A. Upayoga (Consciousness)
B. Chetanmaya (Conscious-natured)
C. Ajnanmaya (Ignorance-natured)
D. Svedadehaparamana (Equal to the size of its body)
E. Abhokta (Non-enjoyer)

• A. Only A, B, C
• B. Only B, C, D
• C. Only C, D, E
• D. Only A, B, D

Hint:

Key Jiva traits to remember: Knower (Jnata), Doer (Karta), Enjoyer (Bhokta), Consciousness (Upayoga), and Body-sized (Dehaparamana).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Jainism defines the soul (Jiva) through a set of specific attributes (Gunas). These distinguish the soul from non-living matter (Ajiva). The "Dravyasangraha" and "Tattvartha Sutra" are the primary sources for these characteristics.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Upayoga (A): "Upayogo lakshanam" – Consciousness is the defining mark of the soul. It consists of Knowledge (Jnana) and Perception (Darshana).
2. Chetanmaya (B): The soul is inherently conscious. Its very nature is sentience.
3. Ajnanmaya (C): This is incorrect. The soul's nature is knowledge (Jnana), not ignorance (Ajnana), although its knowledge might be obscured in the worldly state.
4. Svedadehaparamana (D): Unlike some other schools that say the soul is atomic or infinite, Jainism says the worldly soul expands or contracts to occupy the size of its physical body.
5. Abhokta (E): This is incorrect. The Jain soul is a Bhokta (enjoyer/experiencer) of the fruits of its karmas.
Therefore, A, B, and D are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The characteristics of Jiva are Upayoga, being conscious-natured, and having the size of its body.