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 442

Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
410
Atmap and Moksa
not have the character of the performer (of actions) and enjoyer of results." i Similarly Sabaraswāmi and Kumārila both hold that the reference made to that which is “equipped with the implements” is clearly meant to indicate the soul and not the physical body. The physical body by itself cannot relate the means to the consequences, hence, the need of admitting an entity like the soul arises. The soul ensouls the body and is the ultimate doer of the action, the body, functioning under its superintendance. Moreover Kumārila Bhatta says --" Therefore it is with a view to establish the authority of the Veda, that the existence of the soul is sought to be proved here."
Sabara infers the existence of the soul from such activities as of breathing, winking of the eyes and the like, which cannot belong to the body, as they are not found in the dead body though the body is otherwise the same. As the relation between these functions and the physical body is not invariable, they cannot be said to belong to the physical body. Hence, they are attributed to the soul that runs the physical body by supplying energy to it.
The soul dwells in the body and uses it for different functions but it never means that soul and the body are identical. The soul is clearly an independent entity which is eternal and above the physical body, the sense organs and the cognitions.
1 Ibid. Aphorism 4, p. 382.
2 Bhațţa Kumārila : S'lokavārtika, Section 18, p. 382. Tr. Ganganath Jha.
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