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CONFLUENCE OF OPPOSITES
varying degree, according to the type of their fusion and the quantity of matter adhering to each soul. Complete freedom from matter is moksha (salvation) which leaves the soul as pure Spirit and therefore without the curtailments imposed upon its attributes by the association of matter. The attributes of pure Spirit include :
(i) Omniscience, (ii) Blissfulness, and
(ii) Immortality. Accordingly, every freed Soul becomes Omniscient, Ever-Blissful and Immortal, in consequence of separation from matter. For this reason is a Redeemed One termed Paramåtman (Supreme Soul). The Paramåtmans reside at the topmost part of the universe, at a Place termed Siddha Silå (the Abode of the Perfect Ones) whence there is no returning into the pain and misery of samsára (transmigration). All the rest whose number is infinite remain involved in transmigration and subject to repeated births and deaths. The migrating soul passes through four grades of life, known as four gatis. These are the deva, náraka, manushya and tiryancha gatis. The first of these is the condition of existence as a resident of heavens ; the second, of life in hells ; the third signifies human existence, and the fourth embraces all other forms of life, that is birds brutes, insects, plants, metals and the like. There are different grades of conditions and circumstances in each of these four gatis, but the main types are only four, The residents of heavens enjoy great felicity and plea
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