noun
- In Jainism, non-living matter or substances that lack consciousness, as opposed to jiva (living souls); the material universe.
Usage: religious/philosophical term; used in Jain philosophy and theology
Examples
- In Jain cosmology, ajivas include all forms of matter and energy that lack consciousness.
- The distinction between jiva and ajivas is fundamental to Jain metaphysics.
- Ajivas are believed to be eternal and uncreated in Jain philosophy.
- According to Jainism, ajivas can be influenced by jivas but do not possess awareness themselves.