________________
76 • A Reservoir of Infinite Power
16. Non-Acquisition and Non-Desertion (Tyag - Uppadanshunyatva) - The property which keeps the soul and its infinite properties intact and eternal is the nature of non-acquisition and non-desertion. The nature of the soul can neither be acquired nor deserted. In the eternal nature, distortions such as feelings of attachment or detachment cannot be acquired. Its eternal nature is like that of the souls in Moksha. In the forms, there may be distortions that get acquired and deserted but the substance and properties are eternally pure. Had distortions been part of the nature of the soul, then there would have been distortions even in the state of Moksha and there can never ever be perfection or purity. It is also not true that in the empirical or worldly existence of the soul, some properties will increase and in the state of Moksha, some properties will decrease or vice versa. The existence of the soul is that of oneness throughout, wherever it may exist. In the fundamental nature of the soul, there are no distortions.
Some erroneously argue that religion means path of sacrifices and penance. Here, it is said that the soul does not give up anything or acquire anything. In fact, religion or path of happiness or Moksha exclusively lies in realisation of the eternal nature of the soul and nothing else. Once a person realises the eternal nature, he loses interest in material well being and thus renunciation takes place. It is a negative way of stating the positive development of self-realisation.
This property of non-acquisition and non-desertion firmly establishes the eternal nature and existence of the soul. Whether a person has realised the self or is ignorant, both possess the same nature – neither more nor less. This nature also establishes that the substance is indivisible, complete and permanent. It is not true to say that some properties are more
