Parmatma Prakash

Author(s): Yogindra Acharya
Publisher: Central Jaina Publishing House

Page 10

INTRODUCTION.
(Adharma) helps it when it comes to rest. Matter is the material which cripples its natural powers and also enables it to organize a body for itself. It is the knowledge of the nature of the soul and of the Laws which govern its interplay with matter which constitutes true science.
Analysis of the functions of the soul reveals the important fact that it is a simple unit or individuality, hence not a product or compounded effect of the secretions of many atoms of matter, and is the subject of kuowledge and enjoyment,
Its powers of knowledge and perception can be judged by the facts of clairvoyance, telepathy, and the like, which cannot be denied any longer in the face of the discoveries and investigations made by the Psychical Research Society of Europe.
Jainism points out that the natural attributes of the soul include four kinds of perfection, namely, in perception, knowledge, happiness and veerya (power). This natural perfection of the soul is, however, held in check by the influence of matter on its natural purity, and is brought into realisation the moment it realises itself to be the possessor of all godly virtues and powers.
The attainment of the sacred height of Perfection, then, is the goal of evolution which marks the stages of the beginniugless struggle between jiva and matter. The purest properties of the soul are ranged against the weakening attributes of matter in a great struggle for freedom, and the results of the battle are periodically published, to the world, in the shape of the hieroglyphics of foriņs by the office of Re-incarnation. Each fresh body is, as it were, a bulletin of information about the latest issue of the eternal struggle, and faithfully repiesents the true state of the progress made or reverses suffered by the soul. This process will continue till the forces of Life are commanded in person by wisdom who shall slay the Dragon of Death, with the sword of Vaira gya (Renunciation). The Conquering Hero shall then make his triumphal entry into the Land of Bliss, and ieside there for ever in the full enjoyinent of unabating, undecaying joy.
It is clear from the above that the Jiva is its own God, Saviour or Redeemer. He is certainly endowed with all those divine properties and