I am The Soul Part 02

SR No.: 006791
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tarulatabai Mahasati
Publisher: Shri Gujarati Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Association
Total Pages: 466
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

Page 329

I am the Soul
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atma. In spite of occupying the same space, when both have such a different disposition and form, how can they belong to each other? Atma is an eternal chetan substance, while body is a destructible inanimate substance; both being such diametrically opposite, cannot belong to each other.
The moment the disciple became aware of this, he was able to realise the indestructible dharmavan atma. When the understanding occurs that jada substances are perishable and only chetan is eternal, the destruction of jada does not become a reason for lamenting. If there is faith in the permanence and indestructibility of the self, the atma will not lose anything even when any number of worldly inanimate things get destroyed any number of times. Not even once will the atma be destroyed. 'I am the ever eternal atma substance' - when such realisation is present constantly, how can there be sorrow?
Indeed, where the jiva is aware of the perishable nature of a thing, to that extent it does not feel sad. If it brings in a flower garland that costs a Rupee and it is thrown away the next day when it dries up, there is no sorrowing. But if it brings in a small earthen pot for Rupees Five, and if it breaks in a week, then there is sorrowing. Why is it so? A firm belief is registered in the mind, in the subconscious that today's flower will be dried up tomorrow, while an earthen pot in spite of its breakable is expected to provide a service for at least 4-6 months or a year. It may not have cost much, but its loss is acceptable only after it serves to that extent. Thus we feel the sorrow to the extent of the beliefs attached to a certain thing.
nature
Man, who has such an understanding in practical life, does not realise that the body is perishable and it is bound to transform in the same way. Had it been indestructible then there would not have been the necessity to leave behind infinite bodies. There would have been just one body from infinite time. But it is not so. It will never be so. And hence, when the sadhaka disciple