Pure Soul and Its Infinite Treasure

SR No.: 007661
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantilal Jain
Publisher: University of Madras
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 283
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 54

46 • A Reservoir of Infinite Power
Karmas-as those obscuring soul's knowledge, vision, bliss, energy and unbridled experience, growth, subtleness and unitary nature-are not soul's properties. The different bodies such as those of germs, worms, ants, bees, animals, human beings and creatures in hell and heaven are not that of a soul. Similarly, different stages in one's spiritual development such as adoption of vows, renunciation of worldly/family life, leading the life of an ascetic/renunciate and even the state of Arihanta are not that of a soul. These are all due to complex operations of karmic substances. Thus, there are other innumerable ways in which the soul is described but these do not reflect the ultimate reality.
What is consciousness then? It is everlasting as it is not born or made anytime in the past. It is infinite as it will never perish in future. It does not desert, diminish, increase or assume other characteristics. Consciousness is to be experienced by oneself. None can make the other person experience consciousness. It reveals itself and pervades all forms of a soul. It does not hide itself anywhere. It is self-illuminating and the supreme characteristic of a soul, not found in any other substance but found in all souls. Consciousness is characterised by knowledge, perception, conduct, vision, etc., and these are latent in all souls but manifested in the state of the pure soul.
More specifically, consciousness encompasses both knowledge and vision. Space is endless. The expansion of space is beyond ordinary human understanding as it is infinite. In each unit of space occupied by the soul, there are infinite properties and energies. Consciousness knows and sees them all. Such is the unfathomable nature of consciousness.