Philosophy of Soul and Matter

Author(s): Chitrabhanu, Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Center

Page 19

Let us clarify the word sentient. Ordinarily, it means one who has the power to perceive by means of the senses; it is also defined as the conscious mind. The meaning I aim to convey is inclusive yet greater than any of the above definitions. Sentient citergy is that in each one of us which is conscious awareness itself. It is our immortal essence, incapable of cither stagnation or physical harm, for it is not a material substance. We may call it life, indweller, the one we are from beginningless time. We must know it and make friends with it. .
That is one of the purposes of this series of talks. To know and experience atma as our nearest and dearest one, this is the beautiful, awareness which must dawn on human consciousness. When we learn to differentiate between soul and matter, we will come into the experience of our conscious reality. In the words of the ancient seers:
“No weapon can cut it Nor any fire burn it No water can make it wet Nor any wind dry it... It is atma, immortal.”