Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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________________
INTERNATIO
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
I am happy, I am sad etc. etc such feelings involving 'I' automatically proves the existence of soul.3
STUDIES
Since there is the word 'Soul'; therefore there should be a meaning of this word also. An entity which does not existence is also not representable by words.4
3 Syadvädamañarī 17
4 Ibid 17
Aptamimārsā, 84
6 Syādvādamañarī 17
Attributes (knowledge and bliss etc.) cannot exist without their owner (gūnī). That owner of these attributes is soul only.5
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Besides these supporting arguments, Syädvädamañjarī gives this foolproof reason to establish the existence of soul. "What is the knowledge that this is soul? Is this knowledge a doubt (sansaya) or perverse (viparyaya), or indecisiveness (anadhyavasaya) or is true? It has to be some sort of knowledge. If it is a doubt, then it proves the existence of soul, as we do not doubt non-existent entities. If it is perverse, then also it proves the existence of soul, as an unknown or less known entity cannot have perverse. It cannot be indecisiveness, as from the beginning-less time we have experienced soul. And if it is true knowledge than it automatically proves is existence.6
Thus we find Jain literature full of assertive reasons to prove the existence of soul.
2. Difference between Jiva (living being) and soul (atma)
Both jīva and ātmā are synonymous really. Function and nature of both of them is same. However both the terms are used differently and it is important to understand these terms and their usage.
The word jīva is used in philosophical / textual and doctrinal discussions while the word ātmā is used in spiritual discourses. We can also say that jīva is the object of knowledge and study while ātmā is the object of meditation and experience. We can also say that jiva is the subject of academia / universities and ātmā is the subject of temples / holy places where monks stay. In fact we are all living beings but soul is used just for self and not for all. An example is we call man to all male human beings but we call husband specific to a woman;
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