Jain Journal 2000 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 17

KUMAR : SOUL AND ITS FUNCTIONAL MECHANISM IN JAINISM
15 side only,51 Thus, the quintessential soteriological activities of the Jainas may be seen in the Pravacanasāra through the development of knowledge of the true nature of soul and its realization through meditation.52
From the above discussion, it could be gathered that Ācārya Kundakunda expounds that the soul does not lose its intrinsic attributes of darśana and jnāna upayoga which the body definitely lacks in its physiognomy.
Conclusion
It is said in Jainism that life is a marathon as the soul takes part in the incorporeal births till such a time comes to reside permanently in the siddha abode. Ācārya Kundakunda, a saint scholar and philosopher icon of his times, examines this Jaina notion and expounds his views on the subject. In his view the changing life is grounded on which to ask questions about the metaphysical and spiritual finality under the right rhythm of consciousness. He questions how one can go to what one is not aware of ?
Spiritual solitude assumes a paramount importance in Jainism in the gathering of spiritual wealth. It calls for an objective position in order to recharge the outer body and to nourish the inner being by necessary changes under a fully alive spectrum. The notion alludes to the Jaina metaphysics of the texture and density of the very virtual life and the living, the meditator in the plight making a mindful spiritual connection. However, any disconnectedness between life and living is cautioned as it will lead to the appearance of darker spots in soul because of the transitional time in the given organic life-cycles has a bearing on socio-spiritual moral morass grounded in rules for the ultimate objective of mokşa. The inner-being with a rhythm of consciousness examining inwardly and outwardly thus participates in the marathon of life.
In terms of Jaina soteriology, the journey of the soul and its functional mechanism therefore is to be construed as total and whole; expanded and explained. It may be internalized as in the case of an ascetic or concessionary as in the case of an ordinary. Soteriologically Jainism implies qualitative and quantitative dimension as well as a
51. Dr. S.C. Jain, Structure and Functions of Souls, in Jainism, Bharatiya
Jnanpith, Delhi 1978, pp. 81-82. 52. Johnson, pp. 117-119.