Jainism, JY nihz uhm, is a religion of India. It is based on the belief that every living thing consists of an eternal soul called the jiva and a temporary physical body. The eternal jiva is imprisoned in the body as a result of involvement in worldly activities. To free the jiva, one must avoid such activities as much as possible. Each jiva is reincarnated in many bodies before it is finally freed. After being freed, it exists eternally in a state of perfect knowledge and bliss.