tman_and_moksa

SR No.: 020053
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: G N Joshi
Publisher: Gujarat University
Publication Year: 1965
Total Pages: 901
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 370

338
Atman and Mokşa
of themselves. The eighteenth Kārikā states "(1) because there is a definite adjustment of birth, death and the organs, (2) because there is non-simultaneity of activity, and (3) because there is diversity due to the three attributes the plurality of spirits is established." The verse mentioned above states the various reasons for which the samkhyas believe that there is an infinite number of Purusas or souls.
COURS
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
The first reason for plurality of souls is based upon the phenomena of birth, death and adjustment of bodies and sense organs. According to the Samkhya system, the soul is eternal- it is unborn and undying; the birth of an individual consists in the association of a body to a spiritual principle, i.e., the soul and death means the disconnection of the two resulting in the destruction of physical body. As Vaçaspati Mis'ra says in his commentary on the above verse- "The 'Birth' of the spirit consists in its connection with a new set of body, sense organs, mind, 'I-principle', Great Principle and feeling (Vedanā)-all these latter forming a composite of a particular character; it does not mean modification since the Spirit is essentially unmodifiable (unchangeable). Death also consists in giving up of the body and the rest; it cannot mean destruction, as the Spirit is unchangeably eternal."2 In reality, the soul being eternal, is neither born nor it ever dies, but the bodies are created and destroyed.
1 The Tattva Kaumudi Karikā, XVIII. Tr. Ganganath Jha. 2 The Tattva Kaumudi Kārikā, XVIII. Tr. Ganganath Jha. (Com.) pp. 64, 65.
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