Altogether, Jain metaphysics (theory of spiritual reality) posits seven explanations (called tattva) for the process of attachment to, and release from, the human condition of saṁsāra:
(1) Jīva: our fundamental essence, not the same as our body (which dies). The Jīva feels perception, can acquire knowledge, and is thus affected by karma.
(2) Ajīva: non-living things (as mentioned earlier).
(3) Asrava: the interaction between jīva and ajīva that produces karma.
(4) Bandha: the restriction that karma exercises over our jīva, thereby keeping us in the karmic cycle of rebirth.
(5) Saṃvara: by right conduct, we can release ourselves from this cycle.
(6) Nirjarā: Performance of ascetic practices to destroy our pre-existing karma.
(7) Mokṣa (nirvāṇa): After all karma has been removed from the jīva, one attains true knowledge of reality and freedom from further rebirth.
Two additional tattvas, punya (merit) and pāpa (demerit) are often added. They are said to be the result of asrava and bandha.