For Jains the universe holds countless jīvas, each a distinct, eternal centre of consciousness, energy and bliss. Souls inhabit not only humans and animals but plants, and even earth, water, fire and air bodies. Bound by karma, a jīva takes the size of its body; freed, it rises to the summit of the universe and abides in pure knowledge.
Jīva (Jain)
In Jainism, the living soul: eternal, conscious and by nature omniscient, bound by karmic matter.
Also: Jiva, soul