Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 43

.... ĀTMĀ
The Self....
individual with self-control, concentration and more advanced form of mental and moral discipline, develops more and more unimpeded activities of the
immortal self (Nirjarā). With 'Puruşārtha' (efforts-endeavours) gradually , advancing He:
1) Practises equanimity. 2) Fasts on specific religious days. 3) Maintains purity of diet and restriction on varieties. 4) Keeps continence by day. 5) Achieves complete continence. 6) Restricts activities. 7) Withdraws from domestic supervisory activities.
8) Finally reaches severance of family-ties, leading towards Complete Renunciation in its totality. When the Karman is entirely annihilated, the soul released from all matter, acquires 'Siddhatva' - 'Godhood'. The emancipated - liberated soul attains/achieves the eternal, indestructible, the all powerful and illuminating state of 'Pure Self', enjoys infinite bliss and self beatitude, the Zenith of 'Spiritual Glory', ascends to the summit, close to the border. The magnificent region ‘lşad Pragbhāra' (the fifth gati) where the blessed settle down permanently into all eternity and enjoy incomparable, indestructible, super-natural happiness of salvation with complete equality in rank.
The Ātmā becomes 'Paramātmā' the Supreme Divine. The Soul : Different stages: One who has known Ātmā knows everything.
- Ācārāmga Sūtra
All souls are beginningless, immortal and are impure.
Souls are of two kinds :
i) Mukta - liberated. ii) Samsāri - non liberated.