________________
Chapter 6: Guru's Explanation about the Existence of the Soul
104
આત્માની શંકા કરે, આત્મા પોતે આપ; શંકાનો કરનાર તે, અચરજ એહ અમાપ.
ITUCII
Ätmäni Shankä Kare, Ätmä Pote Äp; Shankäno Karnär Te, Acharaj Eh Amäp.
The soul itself happens to be skeptical of the soul; it is immensely amazing
that it is the doubter of itself!
Explanation & Discussion:
After presenting his doubts, the pupil said that there is no soul. The Guru successfully countered his arguments. After taking into consideration all the points underlying the pupil's arguments, he convincingly illustrated the existence of the soul in simple language which anyone can understand. The ability to explain the abstract nature of the soul in such simple terms is the commendable ability and characteristic of Shrimad.
Finally as a climax, the Guru tells the pupil, "You doubt the existence of the soul, but have you considered who actually doubts? Who thinks that I have doubt? Who is that 'I'? Do you know who has the capability to doubt?" Doubting is the property of the soul. Lifeless matter does not have that capability. Doubt presupposes the existence of the doubter. Thus doubt itself is the
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org