Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Chapter 284: Description of the Path to Liberation through the Nine Substances and the Nature of the Soul
This is a description of the nature of the soul, the path to liberation through the nine substances. Souls in the cycle of existence are of two types: those bound to the cycle and those liberated. They are also characterized by their function and by their association with bodies.
**Verse 109:** Souls in the cycle of existence are bound and liberated, and they are all characterized by consciousness. They are also characterized by their function, which is the result of consciousness. Those in the cycle of existence are associated with bodies, while those liberated are not.
**Explanation:** This is a statement about the nature of the soul. Souls are of two types: (1) those bound to the cycle of existence, which are impure, and (2) those liberated, which are pure. Both are inherently conscious and can be recognized by their function, which is the result of consciousness. Those bound to the cycle of existence are associated with bodies, while those liberated are not.
**Commentary:** This chapter discusses the nature of the soul in detail. The first verse introduces the topic of the soul, stating that souls are of two types: those bound to the cycle of existence and those liberated. The next four verses discuss the different types of beings in the cycle of existence, based on their senses. The following three verses discuss the three types of beings with incomplete senses. The next four verses discuss the four types of realms (hell, animal, human, and god) and the five senses. The next two verses discuss the nature of karma and the consequences of actions. The final verse concludes the discussion of the soul and introduces the topic of non-soul substances.
This chapter, with its fifteen verses, covers the second chapter of the second part of the text. It discusses the nature of the soul and how souls are different from each other. It also discusses the different types of beings in the cycle of existence and the consequences of their actions.