________________
I am the Soul
289 should be always alert while treading the path that no jiva, from uni-sensory - ekendriya (Tafsu) to penta-sensory - panchendriya (afsu), is trampled upon, is disrespected; he should be alert for its safety
A Muni walking on a road, walks to the order of the Prabhu. If he remains fully alert as to avoid disrespect to any jiva, should we presume that the Prabhu's order has been followed appropriately? Yes, with such precaution being taken externally, he is naturally judicious in the Soul. Indeed all souls are equal. The supreme soul resides even in uni-sensory and other jivas. So if a Muni notices only the Atma in all living jivas, and if the line of thought flows within that this Atma is all set to become the Parmatma - the supreme soul and as a result an equitable view arises within, that all souls in this Universe are equal, then we may accept that the Prabhu's order has truly been brought into practice.
Why! One who has an equitable view towards all jivas, on seeing an ant moving hither - thither, will immediately think - “It is not known when the Soul residing in this tiny body will move into the state of the Supreme Soul. Today it is an insect, tomorrow it may become a human and attain liberation, while it is likely that I may remain wandering in this world. When Bhagwan Mahaveer went through the bhava of a 'flea' on the quilt of a shepherd, did the shepherd know that the soul which has now appeared in that lowly insect form, will one day attain the state of the Supreme Soul?
So, Brothers! The observance of the Muni's vratas brings about such a state in the soul. From the experience of his Self, he realises that all Souls are equal and hence he is an Atmajnani. That is it! If such a state of Atmajnana is there in one's own kulaguru - the family guru, then he should be accepted. Otherwise he should be abandoned, a true guru sought and there should be total dedication in his refuge.
Jain Educationa international
For Personal and Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
