Practical Path

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

Page 29

16
THE PRACTICAL PATH.
its characteristic funetion, as for instance the special function of jira is to know. Every substance is either atomistic, that is composed of atoms, or is only one, indivisible expanse of existence. Dharma, Adharma and Space have no parts in their structure, that is to say are non-atomistic, while jîca, Matter and Time consist of an infinite number of individuals, atoms and units respectively. There is an infinity of jîvas (souls) each of which is an individual in its own self, and possesses the potentiality of perfect or right faith, unlimited knowledge, infinite happiness and absolute power. Its nature is freedom which, when obtained, becomes the source of its great joy. In its modifications, it is the subject of knowledge and enjoyment, or suffering, in varying degree, according to its circumstances. The soul is not possessed of sensible qualities, and cannot be perceived with the senses. It has no permanent form of its own till it attain nirvana, when its form becomes fixed once for all and for ever. Like a semi-fluid jelly, it assumes the form of the body in which it might happen to be ensouled for the time being.
Matter is a non-intelligent substance consisting of an infinity of particles or atoms which are eternal. These atoms are possessed of sensible qualities, namely, taste, smell, colour, and sparsa *, and sound also arises from their agitation in certain forms. Atoms form the material basis of all kinds of physical bodies from the most sukshma (subtle) to the grossest. They also combine with the soul when they obstruct its natural properties, thereby holding it in bondage.
*Sparsa means touch which is of eight kinds enumerated on on p. 45 post.