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Chapter 7: The Pupil's Second Doubt regarding the Everlastingness of Soul
By virtue of Guru's explanation the pupil gets inclined to believe in the existence of soul. A doubt, however, arises in his mind regarding the indestructibility of soul. He feels that soul cannot be eternal and that liveliness might be arising with birth and might be disappearing at the time of death.
Ätmänä Astitvanä, Äpe Kahyä Prakär;
Sambhav Teno Thäy Chhe, Antar Karye Vichär.
You have explained various aspects about the existence of soul; it is possible to believe in that while duly reflecting upon the same. (59)
Explanation & Discussion:
The pupil contemplated at length over the clarifications given by the Guru regarding the existence of soul. Such contemplation is very essential, because in absence of contemplation Guru's teachings would not have a lasting impact on the mind. If water is poured over a cloth or other porous objects, it would percolate the same; if, however, it is poured over a hard stone, it would simply make its surface wet and the rest of the water would flow away. Similarly if one contemplates over what has been taught, the teaching would penetrate his heart.
People often listen to sermons or lectures. If the speaker is an eloquent orator, the impression that arises in the mind is, "Oh, it was excellent!" But if someone asks what the speaker had said, they usually scratch their heads, because they cannot recollect what they had heard. This happens because people generally go to lectures for social purposes, for fun, for judging the eloquence of the orator, or for the sake of leisurely spending the time. They may therefore enjoy the speech, but nothing worthwhile goes within and is retained.
It is therefore necessary to ponder over what one listens. The deeper the contemplation, the more durable is the impact. The contemplation at length is particularly necessary in spiritual aspects. In this case the pupil has reflected deeply upon what the Guru had said and he feels convinced about the existence of soul as distinct from body, sense- organs or breath.
Biji Shankä Thäy Tyän, Ätmä Nahin Avinäsh;
Deh Yogathi Upaje, Deh Viyoge Näsh.
Now another doubt arises regarding the indestructibility of soul; it might emerge with the formation of the body and be destroyed when the body is decomposed. (60)
Explanation & Discussion:
The pupil now contends that the soul cannot be everlasting. It is every day experience that whatever we come across is subject to wear and tear, and is ultimately
