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Non-dualism and Dualism
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soul on the basis of the Upanishads. The Upanishads are a compilation of decades of thinking at the subtle level. The Upanishads are an echo of the intense reflection and attempts made to understand the profound secrets of creation. Vedanta is its representation. Its belief is that the Mool Atma or the source of the soul is one. The nomenclature by which it is known is Brahma. That is the ultimate element in the form of consciousness. All the sentient and the non-sentient of this world emerge as modifications of this, Mool Atma. This is the principle of duality of consciousness (Chaitanya-dvaitavad). Those who base their philosophy on monism derived from non-sentience (Jadaadvaitavadi) say that the material elements alone are real and consciousness is not a element. Exactly opposite to them are the philosophers who believe in monism based on the soul (Atmadvaitavadi). They say the consciousness alone is real and not the material elements. The materialistic monists say that the consciousness is created from the element. While the spiritual monists say that matter is created from consciousness. Both the thoughts are contradictory. Standing face to face they oppose and decry one another. Jain philosophy accepts the independent existence of the soul or element of consciousness. But is does not deny the existence of the non-sentient. It believes in the existence of the sentient just as much as it believes in the existence of the non-sentient. Therefore, it is not in conflict with Jadaadvaitavadis but accepts the middle path. It is inclusive
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