In comparing the core soteriological goals of Buddhism and Jainism, what is the precise philosophical divergence between the Buddhist concept of Nirvana and the Jaina concept of Kevala Jnana?

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The divergence traces a foundational split in Indian heterodox metaphysics. Buddhism rejects a permanent unchangeable soul entity (Anatmavada). Nirvana literally means blowing out the flames of desire and ego, leading to the dissolution of rebirth variables. Jainism, conversely, is highly animistic and pluralistic, holding that every entity contains an individual eternal soul or Jiva. Kevala Jnana occurs when this Jiva completely strips away the covering of sticky physical karmic particles, uncovering its true infinite knowledge, bliss, and power.

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