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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
That is called an instrument by which an act is executed. An archer shoots at a fruit with an arrow, so arrow is callled an instrument. A goldsmith forges gold with a hammer. Forging is the action and hammer is the instrument. We acquire knowledge with our senses so, practically speaking senses are called the instrument or 'Karana'. Various activities of Karmas executed by means of vibrations of soul and mental resolves are called "Karana" (instrument).
You might argue, "If the power of soul's vibrations or resolves constitute the instrument then why should the instrument have eight varieties"? We reply that the instrument as such is only one but various types of eight actions are committed through this instrument and therefore it is recognised by eight different kinds of designations.
Wheat-flour is uniform but various eatables are prepared from this flour. The same man with change of relationship is recognised by various designations. He is called even by different names. Just listen to the tale of eighteen remarriages and you will be convinced on this point.
EIGHTEEN REMARRIAGES
Various kinds of people lived in the great city Mathura. They maintained themselves by practising various professions. Unfortunately, some women lived on prostitution. One prostitute Kubersena was very popular on account of her beauty and grace.
One day she had a severe stomach-ache. Her mother called for an expert physician. The physician having examined her said that she carried twins-boy and girl in her womb and that is why she was ailing. When the physician departed the mother said, "Daughter, these twins shall kill you, you need not continue their existence in your womb".
But Kubersena out of love for the child desired to maintain them in the womb. She was prepared to keep them up at any cost. After sometime Kubersena delivered twins-a son and a daughter. The mother said, "In bringing up these children you shall lose your charm of youth, the very prop of your maintenance. Therefore abandon them".
