Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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the beings do not possess the same soul, instead different souls. When the characteristics differ, it does imply, rather it proves that the souls also differ.
Today, many living beings suffer with pain and many living beings are happy. This difference is seen so clearly, proves that, there is no single soul spread like a sky, but in numeral different souls. The main attribute of soul is consciousness. In all living beings, this activity appears at small or large levels and of different types & in different manifestations. Due to the difference in the level of conscious activity like high-low and best-worst, found in each living being, the number of souls in the world is infinite.
In reality the soul is an immortal and eternal substance. The souls in the living beings of the world, on seeing the pot or cloth acquire the respective knowledge related to their conscious activity. This proves that the soul has the power to acquire knowledge. Similarly, on acquiring the knowledge of the cloth the previously acquired knowledge of pot is lost. This proves that the soul has the power to loose / spend. But, in both the situations, whether acquisition or loss, the existence of eternal soul persists. That is why soul is considered as having the property of persistence. Because of the characteristics of acquisition and loss of knowledge, the soul appears as if it is either present or lost. Never the less, the fact is that it is immortal, indestructible and persistent'.
Thus condemning the doctrines of five basic elements (Pamchabh tv da), Tajj va-tacchar v da and monism (Ek tmav da), Lord Mah v ra with his majestic divine sound (dispelling darkness through his words) giving substantial evidences, explained the existence of soul to Indrabh ti Gautama and obliterated all his doubts.
Listening to his sacred voice not only removed the doubts from Indrabhuthi's mind but filled it with unimaginable, inexpressible, overwhelming spiritual bliss and ecstasy
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