Atmasiddhi

SR No.: 007524
Original Sutra Author: Shrimad Rajchandra
Author: Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi
Total Pages: 147
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Spiritual, & Rajchandra
File Size: 1 MB

Page 52

Chapter 5 Pupil's First Doubt regarding the existence of Soul
The questioning session starts from this chapter. Let us remember here that the pupil is genuinely interested in seeking the truth. He is aware of the six Fundamentals, and he seriously intends to undertake the spiritual pursuit on that basis. But there are some doubts in his mind about the existence of soul and he wants to remove them. He knows that only an enlightened person can clarify the points that bother him. He therefore approaches the Guru and presents his doubts to him. His first doubt pertains to the existence of soul. As regard its existence Shrimad has observed as under in the Letter of six Fundamentals (Appendix II).
"As there is existence of physical objects like pot, cloth, etc. so is there the existence of soul. As the properties of pot, cloth, etc. provide the evidence of their existence, so the obvious property of consciousness to manifest itself and to know others is the evidence of existence of soul." The pupil presents the following questions in that respect.
Nathi Drashtimän Ävato, Nathi Janätun Roop; Bijo Pan Anubhav Nahin, Tethi Na Jiv Swaroop.
It does not come within the sight, its form is not seen, nor does it come to the experiential level; therefore there is no such thing as soul. (45)
Explanation & Discussion:
It will be noticed that the pupil here raises certain basic questions, which could arise to any thinking person. He has learnt that perceiving, knowing and experiencing are the principal attributes of soul. His doubts are centered on those attributes. Perception implies visibility. Most of the worldly objects are visible. Our knowledge therefore generally rests on what we see. If something is not visible, we usually remain ignorant of it; if one tells us about its existence, we remain doubtful about it.
The pupil doubts about the existence of soul, because it is not visible. Moreover, it is not possible to know it by any other means, because no form is attributed to it. The pupil argues that even if the soul is accepted as formless and shapeless and hence invisible to the eyes, it should be experienced by some other organ. We should be able to experience it by touch, taste, smell, etc. Since it is not experienced by any organ, how can it be identified, and how is it possible to believe in its existence without identification? The pupil therefore argues that these are the reasons to think that the soul does not exist.
Athava Deh Ja Ätmä, Athavä Indriya prän, Mithyä Judo Mänavo, Nahin Judun Endhän.
Or call the body itself as soul, or call it as senses or the breath; it is wrong to believe it is distinct, because there is no differentiating sign. (46) Explanation & Discussion: