Kundakunda’s Samayasāra paints the jīva as pure, radiant consciousness—think of it as a clear sky untouched by passing clouds. Stripped of body, mind and karmic grime, the soul shines with innate knowledge, perception, bliss and energy. This doesn’t mean jīva is some mystical substance floating in space; rather, it’s the very essence of life, utterly distinct from the physical and mental layers that give rise to transient joys and sorrows.

Central to Samayasāra is the idea that the soul’s true nature is obscured by karmic particles—subtle vibrations sticking like dust on a mirror. Once these impurities are recognized and shed through right faith, knowledge and conduct, the jīva’s self-luminosity becomes unmistakable. Such liberation isn’t a far-off utopia but a process of inner purification, echoing today’s mindfulness and meditation movements. In a world buzzing with AI-driven self-help apps, Kundakunda’s insistence on introspection feels oddly fresh—reminding seekers that ultimate clarity comes from within, not from another algorithm.

Four states of the jīva get special attention: the totally unbound (mokṣa), the bound (saṃsārī), the partially bound (arka), and the completely bound (nakara). Each state reflects how tightly karmic layers cling to consciousness. The soul’s essence, however, remains untouched—just hidden beneath accumulating layers.

A modern parallel might be the way a smartphone’s camera lens picks up smudges, distorting photos until wiped clean. Kundakunda argues for a similar “spring cleaning” of the soul: unshackle the self from delusion, and the jīva’s brightness naturally unfolds. Even amidst today’s hectic pace, Samayasāra offers a timeless invitation: discover that inner light, embrace its clarity, and walk the path of true self-realization.