Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 25

... ĀTMĀ The Self....
Socrates and Aristotle had strong faith in Rebirth.
The deliverance of the Soul (Ātma) from the clutches of Karman is possible through the eradication of the physical cause and make manifest his own innate capabilities. The annihilation of the Karman, the released Soul attains Eternal Salvation. Spiritual Splendour of Masterly Perfection.
Salvation is to terminate the cycle of Birth and death and reincarnation, when the soul is finally liberated to eternal bliss and infinite knowledge. The individual has to achieve his own salvation by "Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct."
Right faith and right knowledge usually go together. One should have faith in one who is a spiritual climax of positive dynamism, who is "Arhat". Right Faith means, therefore the Faith in the Omniscient Teacher - "Arhat".
Right conduct prescribed by Jainism is very difficult to observe. But if you have "Right Faith", right behaviour will come in the natural course. "Right Faith" is the aspiration which is the highest in case of Jaina monks, and right conduct is born out of aspiration and it is also the highest. Therefore Jainism puts stress on "Right Faith". "Right Knowledge" is a bridge between "Right Faith" and "Right Conduct".
Notwithstanding these aids, however, the individual must ultimately find the truth for himself.
Power of the Mind :
The mind is a reservoir of numerous powers. By utilizing the resources which are hidden within it, one can attain any height of success in the world. If the mind is trained, made one pointed and inward, it also has the power to penetrate into deeper levels of our being. It is the finest instrument that a human being can ever have.
The Questions are:
1) "Who am I?" 2) "Where did I come from?"