Structure and Functions of Soul in Jainism

SR No.: 001617
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S C Jain
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 272
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Epistemology, Nyay, & Spiritual
File Size: 16 MB

Page 193

Jaina Eschatology :: 189
elements. “The manifestations of the negativity of the soul appear only when the soul is in union with the karmas. In the absence of the karmas the negative manifestations are suspended.” In the absence of all the karmas the power of negativity of the soul yields natural positive manifestations: 2 According to the Jaina the power of negativity does not stand on an equal footing with the soul's attributes like knowledge, etc. In other words negativity is not admitted of the soul at the level of attributes. If it were an attribute, the negative and the positive manifestations of the soul related to such attributes must be simultaneously perceived. Moreover negative and positive manifestations occur with respect to the same attribute. It means that in respect of an attribute two types of power can be affirmed. When the function of the soul with respect to an attribute is distorted by its conjunction with the karmas, we get the negative manifestations, but, when such a function is not obstructed the soul yields positive manifestations. Again it is said: "The various attributes of the soul possess a negative power as well. It becomes distorted (vikrta) in the mundane existence of the soul on account of causes."3 A distortion has been described as "the perversion of a natural power of a real.”4 The Jaina distinguishes between the implications of the two terms attribute and power. An attribute is an ever present constituent of a substance, and implies a plurality of powers. The variations in the potentiality of a substance are termed as the powers of the substance. When actualized these very powers give birth to the various modes. The negativity of the soul has been assigned the status of a power, and not that of an attribute. If negativity is held to be an attribute of the soul, the position will be doubly fallacious. Firstly, it must be admitted that one constituent attribute of a substance changes into another which
1. Ibid., verse 86 2. Ibid., verse 90 3. Ibid., verse 946 4. Ibid., verse 949