Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 27

ĀTMĀ
SOUL DEFINED
There are many different opinions regarding "Atma-Soul-Spirit," its creation- cause-reason- motive and the final stage. According to beliefs and convictions, to mention a few briefly :
The Self....
There is a belief that it is a creation of five subtle matters, the Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, and at death the soul disintegrates itself. The other belief is that the soul exists only for an instant and a new one replaces it, leaving behind continuous chain. It is not the same soul.
There also prevails a view that all souls are parts of God and the ultimate end will be the assimilation with God. Yet another view insists that the soul permanent without any change. What is visible all around us is nothing but illusions.
Some believe that all actions, deeds are according to God's wishes and desires, and consider themselves only as instruments. While some believe only in destiny.
A vast multitude of people believe God to be the creator. He has created everything, the universe and all its contents including the living-beings. After death he or she will be sent forever to eternity in heaven or hell according to his or her good or bad conduct.
Jainism believes in God, but not as a Creator. It is the state of existence, of 'Paramātmā' - pur effulgence divine. From beginningless past infinite number of souls have achieved and will continue to achieve the pure natural state. A theory which makes each individual master of his own destiny, holds out immortality for every living being, visible or invisible, and insists upon the very highest rectitude of life upto final perfection as necessary means to permanent happiness now and hereafter forever.
Jaina Spiritual leaders live in flesh on earth as ordinary human beings. When purged of all the infatuating elements of anger, hatred or other passions, they attain the state of pure soul, leading to final beatitude in life and everlasting omniscience. Only thereafter, the Religion is propounded by the