Jain Funeral Procedures

SR No.: 008334
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tansukh J Salgia
Publisher: Tansukh J Salgia
Publication Year: 2004
Total Pages: 38
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Ritual_text, & Ritual
File Size: 275 KB

Page 30

1 From Philosophy of Soul and Matter by Gurudev Chitrabhanuji. Clare Rosenfield ed. 3rd edition. Bombay. 1991.
"The following quotes of from Barasa Anuvekkha (The Twelve Bhavanas or The Twelve Reflections), by the great Acharya Shri Kunda Kunda2:
(Reflection II) On the reality of The Helplessness of Death', Acharya Kunda Kunda says: At the time of death everyone is helpless, "No power can save anyone from death. [p. 13.]
(However), "The (eternal, indestructible) Soul, (is) its own protector. The Soul protects itself from birth, old age, death and fear; the Soul devoid of the bondage of karmas, and their fruition as well as their very presence in the Self - is, therefore, its own protector. The Soul in its pristine pure state is free from the bondage of karmic taints. There is therefore no question of the Soul being affected by karmas coming to fruition. The innate purity of the Soul gives it protection from the processes of birth, old age, disease, death and fear. The mundane (worldly) Soul, on the other hand, is continually enmeshed in the cycle of birth, death and re-birth. Its continuous existence in varying conditions, high and low, with vulnerability to disease and fear, are determined by the accretion of karmas and by their coming to fruition. There can be no immunity from the inexorable operation of karmas until the circumstances of their influx are stemmed. The enlightened seer thus guides the inquiring seeker to the path that leads to release from the perpetual misery of mundane existence. Knowledge of the true nature of the Soul strengthens the aspirant's capacity to wean himself from worldly distractions. The practice of such concentration on the Soul's immunity brings the self nearer to absolute safety from the perils of birth, death and disease. The Soul itself guarantees sanctuary in self." (pp. 16-17]
(Reflection III) On the reality of "The Absolute Aloneness of Each Soul', Acharya Kunda Kunda says:
"Alone each Soul revolves through birth and death: alone does each Soul get involved in the karma bondage. Each individual performs his actions; each one revolves alone through this long span of mundane existence; each is born alone; each one dies alone, and each one alone experiences the consequences of his actions. The stark reality of the utter solitariness of the individual Soul is the principle of mundane life.... The logical corollary that follows is that each one in isolation has to strive for his or her salvation." [p. 20]
(Reflection IV) On the reality of 'The Separateness of Soul and body', Acharya Kunda Kunda says: "... the Soul is separate from the body in all relationships.
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