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Characteristics of Soul
1. Soul exists.
2. It is eternal. 3. It is the subject of action - it is the doer. 4. It reaps the fruits - karma. 5. There is Nirvana - emancipation. 6. There is path to attain emancipation.
Souls are infinite in number. However, each soul has its own independent individuality, meaning thereby that each soul has its own independent existence. Neither is there any supreme entity like 'God' of which they are parts, nor are they the manifestations of 'Brahama'. 'Pleasure and pains are self-inflicted' -- this dictum clearly proclaims the independence of the soul
Consciousness of happiness and sorrow
Consciousness is the characteristic i.e. special attribute of the soul. Empirical souls are in bondage with Karmas. Karmas cause suffering. Mahavira says 'Comprehending the misery of the world avoid its cause -passion. All the sufferings sprout out of passions. Violence is also a cause of suffering. Suffering is caused by passions. If the seed of passions is crushed, suffering gets eradicated altogether i.e. transcends the cyclic path of births and deaths.' Ācārānga says, 'Only he who knows the transmigration is the upholder of the doctrine of soul, world, karma and action.' (8) It is possible because bondage and emancipation, both are your own creations. There is an interesting description of the vicious circle of passions.
Passions :He who sees anger sees pride. He who sees pride sees deceit. He who sees deceit sees greed.
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