________________
The Concept of Conscious and Non-Conscious :
When conscious being is ordained by non-conscious elements, this condition philosophically is a declined condition of a conscious being. In this world riches, property, material pleasures, means of power and even the body are considered as inanimate things. When the conscious being comes into the contact of non-conscious (matter), it becomes the guiding principle for the conscious being that it should not by such contact convert its consciousness into rigidity (inanimate). Hence the pious aim of life has been thus determined that even in keeping company with matter, it should not forget its proprietary nature and keep the inanimate under its control.
It shall be the outcome of this philosophy that conscious being while keeping illuminated with the light of knowledge, will exercise control and balance on the inanimate things. The direct effect of this control and balance will be that a conscious being will show his cordiality and sympathy to a conscious one, Non-conscious element will then only be a means to maintain life. In a life where no attachment is for non-conscious elements then where from the factor of inequality would originate? With this aspect, self oblivion is itself the cause of producing the perplexity of variedness. When we forget ourselves, we also loose the capacity to conceive, believe and act and this oblivion means loss of Right knowledge, faith and conduct in life. So long as right knowledge, faith and couduct do not usher in life, the radix of Evolution could not be understood. Therefore, our-primary interest should be developed for understanding ourselves and comprehending the essence of life.
Jain Education International
20
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org