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13 THE ORIGINAL AND THE DISTORED FORMS OF
THE JIVA
It cannot be said that the jiva and the inert substances possess the same nature. If their natures are the same or identical why cannot the jiva become an inert substance and an inert substance a jiva? We have to recognize that the nature of the two are different from each other. The jiva in its original form possesses infinite knowledge. Its nature of possessing knowledge distinguishes it from inert substances. If knowledge is not the nature of the jiva then no other external entity has the power to make knowledge appear in it. If knowledge is an aspect of the nature of the jivas then the point to be examined is whether there is any limit to this knowledge. Does it understand only certain things fit to be known and certain things fit to be condemned or whether it should understand all things that are fit to be known and all things that are to be discarded. Knowledge cannot be said to have any limits. The reason is there is no one who can measure knowledge and find out its limits. It is neither more nor less. Just as a mirror reflects the image of anything which is placed before it, knowledge of all things present in the universe can be attained by the jiva but a light that is covered with a wicker-basket having holes, can throw light only on as many objects as can be brightened by the light emerging through the hole. In the same manner, the light of knowledge emerging from the cover of Karmas in the soul falls only on some objects and only they can be known. The jiva can know only those things when the cover of Karmas is completely removed and then all things that are fit to be known will show themselves. The jiva can know thus the jivas and the inert substances which are fit to be known in the past, in the present and in the future.
The soul in its original form possesses the following attributes (1) Infinite knowledge (2) boundless faith (3) endless and ineffable felicity (4) permanent right faith and indestructible character or Vitaragata (5) the qualities of imperishability, immortality and not growing old (6) formlessness (7) Agurulaguta or neither lightness nor heaviness (8) endless energy.
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