The concept of "jiva" in Jainism is similar to "atman" in Hinduism. The index finger is touched to the thumb, indicating the union of Brahman and jiva. Paramatman is situated at the core of every individual jiva in the macrocosm. Paramatman is different from five elements (pancha mahabhutas), the senses, mind, pradhana and jiva. Soul ("jiva") is accepted as a truth, as in Hinduism but not Buddhism. Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita contains verses describing the jiva. Asceticism is viewed as a means to control desires, and to purify the "jiva" (soul). The Buddha disagreed with the Mahavira's concept of soul or self ("jiva"). The universe, body, matter and time are considered separate from the soul ("jiva"). "Ajiva" consists of everything other than "jiva". Avidya Maya is the cause of illusion and bondage of the Jiva. The direct sense points to the identity of between Ishvara and Jiva. There is no otherness nor distinction between "Jiva" and "Ishvara". There seems to be some controversy amongst biographers about Jiva Goswami's birth. Not much is known about Jiva Goswami's childhood.