Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

SR No.: 023322
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta
Publication Year: 1963
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 39 MB

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DISCOURSE
IX
THE TREASURES OF SOUL (contd.)
Gentlemen,
The source of a river is believed by the people as more sacred than the river itself and that is why thousands of people assemble on pilgrimage at Gangotri and Jamnotri at the Himalayas, the source of the rivers Ganges and Jamuna. Thus 36th chapter of Shri Uttaradhyayana Sutra is the source of our discussion on “SOUL".
Yesterday we unlocked the treasures of soul to find jewels of knowledge and righteous conduct which attracted our attention specifically. Today I want to dilate more on this very item of our discussions viz. Knowledge.
Knowledge is the distinguishing characteristic of soul; and the same you cannot find in non-living entities like Dharmastikaya, Adharmastikaya. Akashastikaya, Kala, and Pudgalastikaya.
By means of knowledge the soul knows an object, perceives it, relies on it and decides to accept it or reject it. Thereupon, the soul is enabled to progress on the path of righteous conduct. Thus knowledge is the root of religious progress, foundation of spiritual development and the staircase to reach the zenith of final beautitude. Jain preachings are abundant with maxims like "Knowledge is First, then compassion,” “Knowledge and righteous practice lead to emancipation.” etc. These maxims amount to mean that knowledge is the prerequisite of compassion, restraint or any religious rite. Without knowledge these rites can not be properly performed, as they lead to no result as a consequence.
Suppose, we heard our Guru preaching, "Do not kill any living entity." But you must know minutely which entities are living and non-living. What are the characteristics of a living entity ? Unless you know this how would you practise non-violence in the correct sense of the term. Similarly before you proceed to practise restraint of your senses, you must have right knowledge of restraint.
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