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THE TRUTH
signified a more intimate union between spirit and matter than mere contact. The deeper draughts of gratification will only go to cement this union more and more, so that matter will literally come to stick to the soul substance, as if glued to it. Through its impulses the soul is constantly drawing subtle invisible molecules ' of matter to itself, and the influx is continuous even during sleep, which does not mean a cessation of all impulsions or activity, as is clear from the phenomenon of dreams.
Jain Education International
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The fusion of spirit and matter obstructs the natural functioning of the spirit substance, and limits of various kinds are imposed on it, in consequence. For full knowledge and joy and all the other forms of spiritual perfections are the natural attributes of the soul-substance itself, and cannot be made or manufactured in any way. In trees the soul is so much overwhelmed with material burdens as to be practically unconscious. The lower animal-insects, moths, shells and the like-are just one step more enlightened' than trees. The higher animals, too, lack the mental function to a great extent. Man himself is not always placed at the summit of intelligence. All this differentiation is due simply to the influence of matter, exerted in different ways on the spirit. Transmigration is the form of calamity which is eternally imposed on the unthinking soul, in consequence of its union with matter. Those who perform virtuous
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