________________
Chapter - 1
I AND MY LIFE
WHO AM I?
“Who am I?' This question has intrigued all the philosophers and originators and propagators of all religions and religious sects in this world. Everyone has provided its answer according to his own viewpoint but the question still intrigues us as it has been doing for past thousands of years and, I believe, will continue to do so in future as well. Pursuance of an individual's benefit is dependent on the right answer of this question. A problem 'Who am I'confronting an individual also confronts all. A solution that may suits an individual may also suit others Therefore, it is imperative for every individual to ponder profoundly over this question.
In the phrase – “Who am I?' – the most vital consideration is that what is the true meaning of the term 'I'? What is the actual meaning of the word 'I'? If casually asked, everyone would retort. “Don't I know who I am?" and add – I am a man; I am a child; I am young; I am old; or I am a businessman; I am a solicitor; I am a scholar; or provide other such answers. But the question still remains unanswered. None of these can be your true identity, they are names of some specific state. You are a child or a youth for some years but you existed even before that. This childhood or youth will not remain after some years but you will continue to exist. You are a businessman or a solicitor because you are involved in these specific professions. When you did not indulge in these
professions you still existed. If you change your existing profession you will no more be a businessman or a solicitor, but you will still exist.
Now then, the question remains as it was - who am I? In other words, a definition of l' which is independent of any specific state or transient conditions and is free of limitations of time and place remains to be reached. I am a human being; this too cannot be my all time
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
