Jain Journal 2008 04 No 04

SR No.: 520270
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 46
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 13

Veer Sagar Jain: ConveptofSoul/Self Atmā) in Jainphilosophy
185
his worldly affairs. Until one has the knowledge of the self, he cannot progress further on the path of spiritual purification'
To describe the detailed explanation of the self in the Jain literature, one article or even a book may not suffice. Therefore, I think that the books (given at the end of the paper), which the inquisitive reader can be referred to know are more about the self.
I will now attempt to explain the concept of soul through the following points / topics.
i. Existence of soul / self(ātmā) ii. Difference between soul and jīva (living being) iii. Synonyms of jīva and self in Jain texts and their meanings. iv. Etymological meanings of soul and jīva V. Nature of jīva, its nine basic virtues vi. Elimination of wrong concepts of soul/ self vii. Types and subtypes of jīva. viii. Nature of soul as per spiritual texts like Samayasāra. ix. Experiencing the self and the ways to do so. X. Three types of soul / ātmā xi. Summary
1. Existence of soul/self (ātmā)
Some people, due to their ignorance of insistence of their own perspective, blame Jain philosophy as atheists. To support this they say that Jain philosophy does not believe in soul / supreme soul, merit I demerit, heaven/ hell etc. However, this is totally false. We cannot discuss all the reasons and support this statement, but insist that Jain philosophy believes very clearly and in lucid terms the existence of soul / supreme soul, heaven/hell and merit/ demerit. Jain philosophy
1.
a.
Samaysāra gātha 15, 17 and commentary. Paramātmaprakāśa 2/99 and commentary. Chahadhālā 4/9 Yogindu, Yogasāra 53
d.