Concept of Paryaya in Jain Philosophy

Author(s): S R Bhatt, Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 38

26 Concept of Paryaya in Jain Philosophy removing karma impurities by self-development. Soul can thus become God. Jainism maintains intrinsic identify between worldly soul and super soul. Intrinsically there is no difference between worldly soul and liberated soul. Soul's mode of existence as a particular organism, that is a particular mode of existence for certain duration of time is transitory. The defilement of soul is its non-natural mode of existence due to its interaction with non-self. As a conscious substance, the soul may evolve into its qualities and modifications into various forms of beings. Its complete existence can be realised through them. The soul evolves; it grows by action and reincarnation. The growth, development or rather unfolding of the soul has significance. The soul can rebuild his life. In human sate of existence following the path of righteousness soul can attain emancipation from the bondage. According to Jainism one has to go through the fourteen stages of spiritual development before one reaches the final goal. Jaina Philosophers emphatically assert that every soul is potentially divine. Each soul can be transformed into God which is the highest state of spiritual evolution. Perfection lies inherent in man to be made manifest. The entire emphasis is on ethical life and conscious personal efforts in order to destroy the various adverse influences in the struggle for selfrealisation. Soul can evolve and get established in its nature by right conduct along with knowledge and vision and that leads to liberation, that is, the state of knower- the pure consciousness. Thus the intricate concept of Paryaya has spiritual significance. The religious and ethical frame work will be meaningful and not just superfluous if both change and permanence are accepted as real. World is as real as liberation. In the state of liberation sour retains its identity, only its state or form is changed Soul's capacity for modifications accounts for Reality of Pure Self. It is in this sense that we can appreciate the utility of ethics and religions. It gives meaning to ethical responsibility. If reality is either unchanging permanency or if change alone is real then moral conduct and its evolution would become meaningless. Actualization of inherent divinity of soul depends upon change. Man is the only saviour of himself. The worldly souls pass through several types of spiritual manifestations. They are always defiled by the karmas. The manifestations in the case of such souls are determined by