Jainism and World Problems

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 97

THL EQUIPMENT OF WILL
89
89
THE EQUIPMENT OF WILL
There are three aspects of the Will; (1) it is a substance, (2) it is intelligent, that is conscious, and (3) it is conative, that is to say, it is the centre and abode of impulses. Yet Will is throughout unitary. Knowledge lies hidden and covered up behind the impulses, as shown in my Jaina Psychology. The substantive aspect of Will is really the soul substance itself, for Will is only the soul involved in matter. The impulses themselves are to be conceived as existing in Will as phases or aspects of a partless whole ; they are not separate or separable from Will, or from one another ; but they may be distinguished and marked off in thought ; and they are also able to work and act in a semi-independent manner. The relation between the Will and the impulses is like that between the rhythm of a melody and the notes and tones composing it. Every moment, Will, as a unitary force, is present in the form of rhythm, and the impulses are to it what sounds and notes are to a melody. Each impulse has a central idea round which it is formed; but all sorts of experiences may be associated with this central idea.
It should be noted that Will only preserves the experiences of pleasure and pain, but nothing else. What does not interest it-and pleasure and pain are both calculated to awaken interest-remains unnoticed. For this reason we have no memory of that which does not stir' us and therefore does not impress us with its presence. The expectancy on the part of the Will of an experience of pleasure or pain is requisite for an impression being made on it. It should also be noted that every conscious experience forms but a single indivisible 'record,' though it may comprise an infinity of detail in itself. These records are preserved in the form of modifications of the existing rhythm in one of the impulses, and, by necessary implication, in the Will as a ivhole ; for Will is necessarily indivisible in its substantive aspect.
12