Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

Author(s): Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta

Page 24

:: OHM HRIM ARHAM NAMAH ::
DISCOURSE 1
EXISTENCE OF SOUL
"Jina-Vayane-Anuratta, Jina-Vayanam-Je-Karenti-Bhavenam Amala-Asankaliththa, te-hunti-Paritta-Samsara."
The author of the sacred scriptures has described the nature of Soul traversing in this transitory world in this stanza occurring in 36th Chapter under the title “JEEVAJEEVA VIBHAKTI” (Classification of sentient and non-sentient entities) in Shree Uttaradhyayana Sutra as :
"The Souls, which are devoted to the preachings of Lord Jina i.e. having faith therein, practising with cordial zeal the rites prescribed and enjoined in the Lord Jina's preachings, with no mental impurities and with affections are born as worldly souls in limited range.'
These statements are profound with significance. The nature of Soul will have to be understood at the outset in order to grasp the proper significance of these statements. Even in that case the existence of soul will have to be considered first, as the nature of soul is not conceivable without being convinced on the existence of Soul. Branch knowledge is not possible without rudimentary knowledge.
The authors of the sacred scriptures have declared sixty seven postulates on Samyakatva (Right faith). Out of them six relate to the location of Right faith:
1.
The Soul exists.
2. It is eternal. 3. It is the agent of all actions. 4. It enjoys the fruits of actions. 5. Liberation is possible. 6. The means of liberation is also available.