Sanskrit जीव, literally “life, living being, the principle of life, vital breath, soul, existing, existence.”
In Hinduism, jiva is often a reference only to the individual, embodied soul.
“The individual with all his Vasanas (desires or previous impressions) within himself is called a Jiva.” —Yoga-Vasishtha
“Sex and ego are the products of Avidya or nescience. The dawn of spiritual knowledge of the Self will annihilate these two enemies of Atman, the two dacoits who are plundering the helpless, ignorance, little false Jiva, the illusory ‘I’.” —Swami Sivananda
“Man or the little Jiva is imperfect. He is full of defects. He is simply waiting for claiming superiority over others.” —Swami Sivananda