Outlines of Jainism

Author(s): J L Jaini, F W Thomas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Page 63

METAPHYSICS: V. THE FIVE MAGNITUDES.
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parts. The soul has great elasticity: it can expand, if need be, and fill the whole universe. But its pradeśas cannot be divided.
| The Soul (5, 30-1) The soul, we remember, is either liberated (siddha) or mundane. The mundane soul is in combination with karmic matter. We are not perfect: we can improve. These two facts are the cogent indications of the capacity of the human soul to evolve. Evidently it is in an impure state, and the cause of impurity is not far to seek : the gross body speaks for the demand of dead matter on the living man. What, then, is the pure soul ? Every soul is potentially pure. Matter is only i cruel parasite, an unclean veil. The soul is ever all-perfect, all-powerful. By ignorance it identifies itself with matter, and hence all its troubles and degradation. In its pure condition it has four enjoyments: those of perfect perception, perfect knowledge, infinite power, and infinite bliss.
In the impure state nine properties of the soul may be mentioned
1. It lived in the past, is living now, and shall live for ever.
2. It has perception and knowledge.
3. It is immaterial, i.e. has no touch, taste, smell, or colour.
4. It is the only responsible agent of all its actions.
5. It completely fills the body which it occupies, e.g. that of an ant or an elephant (30-1).
6. It enjoys the fruits of all its karmus.