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

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86 :: Structure and Functions of Soul in Jainism
criticism may be levelled against his view of the self and the external world. The gentle force of the uniting principle is only a force of the passing ideas and impressions themselves, hence it must disappear every moment along with them. To bring about any effect this force must be connected with at least two ideas one following the other. But this is not possible in Human philosophy, or he will have to accept the truth of the connecting principle along with that of impressions and ideas. The Jaina upholds the truth of substance behind the changing modes to establish a unity. Substance is really the connecting principle behind the varying modes. The question of its direct perception should not arise, as the modes are the very forms of its existence. The truth of the soul and the self is proved by the fact that without such a conception we fail to account for the individuality and the unity of perceiving minds. The laws of association can simply show the mode of behaviour which the ideas and impressions follow. They cannot be a substitute for the principle of unity among them. Thus the impressions must be held to imply distinction and unity simultaneously. At the same time they must not be only transitory, there must be a side of their existence which evinces permanence and durability. The impressions are mutually distinct in one of their aspects of existence, and constitute a unity in another. Such a position can be consistently held only in a non-absolute philosophy. That aspect of the existence of impressions which evinces unity and permanence is the substance of the soul behind the impressions. Thus the gentle force in the impressions and ideas and the principle of vāsanā imply the existence of the substance of the soul.
The Psychological View of the Self
The distinctions drawn between purposive and mechanical behaviours lead to the same conclusion that self consciousness occupy a position distinct from that of matter. It is only the behaviouristic school of psychology