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Gems of Jainism
existence of soul, Lord Mahavira proved its existence logically and was at last convinced. The existence can be proved logically, empirically, operatively (effective operation), by negation, by opposites, by Utterer and Utterances (Vacaka and Vacc'ya) and pfcourse metaphysically. One more proof, is the words like I, ‘my', ‘mine', etc. The famous philosopher Descartes when says 'Cogito Ergo Sum': (I think therefore I am) the thinking quality of the soul proves the existence of soul. In spite of all these proofs, even if someone still doubts, the very doubt also proves the existence. Who doubts? And obviously we know it is the soul that doubts. The existence of soul can be logically inferred with the help of a metaphysical principle. An object is substance and qualities, both are inseparable. Substance is always in the form with the qualities. From qualities like knowledge, consciousness, happiness, unhappiness etc. we infer the substance. This substance is the Soul. Every action also presupposes the doer of the deed. The doer is the Soul. Senses or body are the tools, they can't do anything when the soul is not there. Lastly the existence of soul can be even proved by Testimony or Sabda Pramāna. In Jainism the testimony is Agama - Pramāna, which tells us "Souls Exist”. Thus we find that the Jaina system recognises the existence of Soul or Jiva. The acceptance of the existence of soul is the very fundamental plank in the spiritual science or for the concept of liberation. What is very significantly important to note is that with regards to the nature of soul Jainism is quite distinct. Without the accurate picture of the nature of Jiva or Soul, its characteristics, classifications, qualities, status etc. the conception of soul can not be understood. Let us see all these in brief.
Nature of Soul : Vadi-Devsuri in his “Pramāna - nay - tattva - lokalankara" describes the soul as, “That (i.e. the soul) is essentially conciousness; undergoes modifications; is a doer (of acts); is the direct enjoyer (of the fruits of its acts); is of the same extent as its body: is different in each individual and being attached to material elements has birth and rebirth."5 "The most important quality of the soul is consciousness, it is the essence of the soul. The same consciousness in our daily affair we call “life” and “the sacred
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