Key of Knowledge

SR No.: 006702
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Publication Year: 1919
Total Pages: 1204
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 790

THE SIDDHANTA.
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Now, so far as the two principal substances of nature, namely, jiva and pudgala, are concerned, the affinity between them may be determined by the fact that the former is the knower and enjoyer of matter, which, consequently, is the object of knowledge and enjoyment. The relation between them is that of subject and object, which might also be called that of positive and negative, because of the two opposite aspects of knowledge and joy which the two substances present.
The relation of jiva and matter being determined, we may now enquire into the nature of the force which brings about their interaction. Obviously, knowledge is not that force, because one may know a thing without actually being compelled to be locked up in its embrace. And, so far as the power of omniscience of the Siddhatman is concerned, the whole universe is reflected in His consciousness, as in a mirror, without involving Him in bondage, in the least degree. Thus, the force which brings about the interaction between jiva and matter can only be that which springs from their relationship in respect of enjoyment alone. But this depends entirely on the desires of the jiva, because matter can have no longing for enjoyment. Furthermore, the jiva, too, is impervious to this force by nature, since every jiva does not run after every kind of enjoyment, and also since he may give up sense-enjoyment altogether. Thus, interaction between jiva and matter only takes place when the former is actuated by a desire for the enjoyment of sense-objects, and, conversely, matter can affect the soul only when it is rendered vulnerable by its desires.
It follows from this that the soul remains liable to be
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