Vitalism (Jainism)

Vitalism is at the core of Jain philosophy which separates Jiva (soul or life) from Ajiva (non-soul).

According to Jain cosmology, the whole universe is made up of six simple substances and is therefore eternal.

According to Jainism, there are ten vitalities or life-principles: According to major Jain text, Tattvarthsutra: "The severance of vitalities out of passion is injury".

They are not only vegetarian, but decline to eat vegetables that grow under the ground because each underground stem contains infinite number of vitalities each of that can potentially grow into full-fledged plants.

The table below summarizes the vitalities that living beings possess in accordance with their senses:[2]

Classification of Saṃsāri Jīvas (Transmigrating Souls) in Jainism.According to Sacred Jain text, Sarvārthasiddhi : "Immobile beings ( sthāvara jīvās ) possess the four vitalities of the sense-organ of touch, strength of body or energy, respiration and life-duration. [ 1 ]