________________ MOKSHA THE LIBERATION 209 towards the top of the universe and sutra 6 explains how that occurs. It specifies the following four reasons for the upward movement 1) Poorva Prayog: This literally means precedent. Here it has been used in the sense of continuing. A potter, for instance, applies some force to move his wheel and then gives it up. But the wheel will continue to move until the frictional force stops it. Similarly the soul liberated from the body continues to move up through the medium of Dharmastikay till it reaches the top of Lokakash, which is the same as universe. There it stops, because there is no Dharmastikay beyond that level. 2) Asangatva: This means loss of contact. This can be explained by taking the illustration of a gourd. A muddy gourd, if placed in water, would initially go down by virtue of the weight of mud. But as the mud recedes by the impact of water, the gourd starts coming up. Similarly the worldly soul stays downward on account of the impact of Karma; but it starts rising up as the bondage of Karma recedes by virtue of Nirjara. 3) Bandhchhed: This means removal of shell. This is analogous to the fleeing of castor seed out of its shell. A castor seed initially shoots upward with the opening of its bud. Similarly a soul goes upward when it comes out of the embodiment. 4) Tathagatiparinam: This means by virtue of nature. Of all the six substances, soul and Pudgal are the mobile ones and continue to move of their own in the presence of Dharmastikay. Soul's movement is inherently upward. This is analogous to a flame, which always points upward. The upward movement of the worldly soul is prevented by embodiment. Since it is Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
