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faculties. Soul appears different in its different abodes and is always visibly conscious. This consciousness is soul and that
is its main distinguishing characteristic. One knows all kinds -of pots, etc. and therefore accepts their existence. But one
does not believe in the knower of that reality. High intelligence is seen in a tiny body and small intelligence is seen in a large body. If body itself is soul, then this should not happen. Additionally characteristics of jivas (living beings) and ajivas (non-living beings) are different and never the same. In all the three times (past, present, and future), jivas and ajivas remain distinguishably separate. Due to own ignorance, soul doubts itself. The one which expresses doubt is soul and on whom doubt is expressed is soul. It is definitely a surprise that soul is self-doubter. Through inner reflections, soul's existence can be understood.
Arjuna had expressed a similar doubt about soul to Lord Krishna. As the opposing armies stood poised for battle at Kurukshetra, Arjuna saw his family members, relatives, teachers, and friends in both the armies ready to fight and sacrifice their lives. Overcome by compassion and grief, he is bewildered and says to Lord Krishna that he won't fight the battle for any gains. Lord Krishna tries to pacify him and explains fundamental characteristics of soul and how it is different from material body.23 The true teacher tries to do the same here by pointing out to the disciple that soul does exist and it is not the same as body, life force, or senses. Though through close association body and soul look as if the same, but they are distinct for their characteristics are separate. Main distinguishing characteristics of soul are its consciousness, knowledge, enlightenment, and bliss, which are not derived through combination of external objects and do not depend on them. Soul is self-empowered and selfenlightened. Only soul knows itself and illuminates self and other objects. It is subject and object of conation and knowledge. Eye sees, mind knows, and body feels, but their functioning power is supplied by soul. Bodily faculties also depend on outside objects and availability of intelligence,
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