Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 2 Vibhag 2

SR No.: 008003
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 802
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 20 MB

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It can, thus, be seen that the institution of the Pour Asramas of the Brahmins was introduced at a later date.
About the Soul According to the Upanišads, the Brahmins beieved that the Soul resided in the body of living beings. Its presence can be proved by the existence of life and the regular functioning of the living body. The Soul is believed to locate itself in an empty space near the cavity of the heart (Vide Brihad Upanisad 4-3-7; Chänço gyopanişad 8-3-3; Taitariya 1-6-1; Compare Kanthopanişad 2-20, and 4-6 and 6-17) Its size is said to be that of a barley grain or of a rice grain (Brihad Upanigad 5-5); Chāndogyopanişad 14-3)
This is also mentioned in the Vedas.
The form of the Soul is that of the living body that it inhabits ( Taitariya 2. Bribad Upanisad 1-14; Satabri 14-4; 2-1). It is difficult to sketch out its appearance. But, in different quotations, it is said to resemble grey-coloured wool; it is also said to resemble fire or a white lotus or flash of lightning or a flame free from smoke. There are different beliefs regarding its composition.
One author says that it possesses consicousness, mind, respiration, eyes and ears; it is made up of Prithvi ( earth ) Ap (water) Tejas (light) and Akasa ( open space ) it is agni ( fire ) as well as eiragni (a substance destitute of fire); it has iccha ( desire ) as well as anicchā (a substance destitute of a desire ); it is has krodha (anger ) as well as a-krodha ( devoid of anger ); it has nigama ( self-control ) as well as a-nigama (devoid of self-control ). In short, it is everything in substance. It is made up of all substances ( Vide Brihad Upanişad 4-45 Also 3-7, 14. 22).
It is evidently clear that the Brāhmins believe the atma (soul) to be a material substance consisting of gross elements. because it has four material elemental substances and some mental attributes have also been added to it.