The word "jiva" comes from the Sanskrit language and refers to the individual soul or consciousness. Synonyms for this concept include atma, prana, and purusha. Atma refers to the self or individual being, while prana denotes the life force or energy that animates all living things. Purusha, on the other hand, is a more philosophical term that refers to the universal self or consciousness that pervades all of existence. Other synonyms for "jiva" include soul, spirit, and essence. These words all suggest a fundamental aspect of a person's being that is eternal and transcendent.