Handbook of Jainology

SR No.: 001346
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 72

8
THE SIX ASPECTS OF THE SOUL
In this universe, there are countless independent Atmadravyas or souls. Hence, this samsar goes on, on account of the mutual co-operation of the soul and the inert substances. If the Jiva consumes the inert food, the body is produced; it becomes an existential and conceptual reality; it lives and grows. The body has organs and senses. The Jiva moves about with the help of these; perceives things and attains knowledge. In this manner, the first aspect of the soul of its six aspects is the independent existence of the soul.
(2) No one has created this atmadravya or the soul. It has been in existence from times immemorial. Even after the death of the body, it continues to exist. It is without a beginning and without an end. It is eternal and permanent. This is the second aspect of the soul. This soul goes on wandering from one body to another; one state of existence to another; and from under the influence of one to that of another, as a powerless and dependent entity. Therefore, this transmigration or wandering has been termed samsar or the cycle of birth and death.
(3) The soul by means of its various actions and propensities gathers sinful or blessed karmas. The Karmas also cling to the soul on account of its actions and propensities. Therefore, the soul is the doer of Karmas.
(4) The soul is the entity that experiences the effects of Karmas. Just as the one who carries out an occupation has to experience the pain consequent upon its performance, it is only the doer of Karmas i.e. the soul that has to experience the effects of the good and evil Karmas that it has gathered. Others do not experience those effects. In the same manner, the painful effects of excessive eating have to be experienced only by him who has eaten excessively. The emergence of the various bodies, the state of ignorance, disease, disgrace, fame etc. are the effects of Karmas.
(5) The soul that has been bound by Karmas from times immemorial can also attain moksha or salvation. One fundamental truth that is evident is that gold which is mixed with