________________
JAINISM IN THEORY AND PRACTICE
163
JAINISM IN THEORY, AND PRACTICE
In Jainism the nature of the soul is investigated from the scientific standpoint. The soul is a simple substance. It is immortal because it is partless ; since what is destitute of parts cannot be broken up or destroyed, and is, consequently, eternal.
Among the attributes of the soul, two are very important: knowledge and bliss or happiness. Knowledge or intelligence is really only a function of the soul-substance. The soul is only intelligence through and through. Fulness of knowledge is really a characteristic of the soul.
The soul-substance is also blissful by nature, so that the soul is Existence, Consciousness and Bliss.
The soul, then, is endowed with Iinmortality, Omniscience and Bliss. These are really the most highly valued of Divine qualities. Hence, the soul is its own God!
But how is it that the soul in its present condition is just only a bundle of ungodliness, powerlessness and misery, and not a God ?
The answer is that it is robbed of its Divinity owing to the influence of Flesh (that is to say, the physical body) ! The body is the enemy of the soul, and the source of misfortune, ill-luck and damnation to it. Separated from the body, it is a God; associated with it, it is anything but a God!
The soul does not, therefore, find anything in the physical body to be thankful for to its maker, assuming that it has a maker of its form and substance.
How is, then, the body preserved and perpetuated and made ? The answer is that our Karmas modify our wills (i.e., disposition or character), and the will itself is a summation of certain subtle forces. These in life are occupied with the moving of the hands, the feet, etc. After death they accompany
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
