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Explanation & Discussion:
If we want to know about the existence of any object, we need to look for the properties of that object. Take the instance of milk. We know that the white color, liquidity, sweet taste, nourishment, transform ability to yogurt, etc. are the properties of milk. Whenever we come across all these properties, we can say that the object must be milk. Being composed of earth, metal, etc. and having some shape which can hold other materials, are the principal properties of a pot; while the capability to be worn, spread, washed, etc. are the properties of cloth. Similarly consciousness, which has the capability to experience itself and also to know other objects and situations, is the property of the soul.
Ätmasiddhi
However, due to wrong identification the soul seems like the body. The worldly soul has been staying in one body or another since the infinite time. That induces it to identify itself with the body. This happens on account of the ignorance about its own true self. In this connection, Shrimad has stated (Vachanämrut # 902) as follows:
Deha Jiv Ek Rupe Bhäse Chhe Ajnän Vade, Kriyäni Pravrutti Pan Tethi Tem Thäy Chhe; Jivani Utapati Ane Rog Shok Dukh Mrutyu, Dehano Swabhäv Jiva Padamän Janäy Chhe; Evo Je Anädi Ek Rupano Mithyätva Bhäv, Jnäninä Vachan Vade Dur Thai Jäy Chhe; Bhäse Jad Chaitanyano Pragat Swabhäv Bhinna, Banne Dravya Nij Nij Roope Sthit Thai Chhe.
It means: "Body and soul seem identical on account of ignorance, and thereby their activities also seem identical. Birth, disease, mourning, misery, and death, which are properties of the body, seem to be happening to the soul. That false identification, prevailing from infinity, disappears with the words of the enlightened. Then, the nature of the conscious soul and that of lifeless matter evidently look different and both those substances come to light as abiding in their own true nature."
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