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 383

Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
Samkhya
351
direct contact with the Purusa. Their contact is merely one of compresence. The Purusa influences the Prakrti only from a distance when it comes in the vicinity (Sannidhi-Afga) of the Prakệti. The adjustment of the Praksti to the soul again is not purposeful; it is simply automatic and unwilled. Had it been purposed the Prakřti would have to be regarded as “intelligent', but the Praksti is devoid of any intelligence (acetana). It is again said that the activities of the Praksti are carried on with a view to finally release the Purusa from its bondage. It is the function of the chief (pradhāna) to liberate the soul, just as it is the function of the milk to nourish the calf. The milk, though unintelligent, serves the purpose of nourishing the calf, so also, the mahat principle which is unintelligent carries on its evolution in order to liberate the Purușa without any conscious and willed purpose. Gaudapāda holds that nature acts spontaneously for the liberation of the soul. While Vácaspati Misra says that irrational nature cannot act in such a rational way to satisfy the purpose of the soul, and therefore, there must be reason to direct nature. Commenting thus, Gauda pada proceeds to infer the necessity of the divine guidance, “ Embodied souls, though rational, cannot direct nature, as they are ignorant of its character; therefore, there is an omniscient Being, the Director of nature, which is isvara or God. But the atheist Sámkhyas hold that there is no occasion for a guiding Providence, but that the activity of
1 Ibid. 57/227. Tr. H. T. Colebrooke. .
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