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SECTION 1
JAINISM AND SALLEKHANĀ
The fundamental principle of Jaina Metaphysics is that the entire universe comprises six substances of which Jiva and Ajīva are of supreme importance: Jīva or the soul has consciousness as its essential characteristic. It is either liberated (mukta) or in bondage ( samsárin). A soul in its pure form is possessed of infinite perception or faith, infinite knowledge, infinite power and infinite bliss. The soul, as it is seen or felt in the world, inhabits some kind of body which may be immobile (sthāvara ) or mobile ( trasa ). The Ajiva comprises Pudgala, matter; Dharma, the peinciple of motion or which makes motion possible; Adharma, the principle of rest or the passive cause of static condition; Akāśa or space which accommodates all other substances in the universe; and Kala or time which marks continuity and is also the cause of modification of the soul and other substances.
The Pudgala or matter is characterised by sense-qualities, namely, touch, taste, smell and colour. The soul in Samsāra is already in contact with Karmic, matter from beginningless time. Karma is the direct result of the mental, verbal and physical activities of the soul. This Karma, a form of matter or a sort of energy, is subtle and highly refined. It acts as a veil to the real powers of the soul, and is of two varieties according to its effect on the soul. In so far as Karmas cause the destruction of the powers of the soul, they are Ghatiya, having four varieties : Darśanāvaraṇīya, Jñānāvaraṇīya, Antaraya and Mohanīya respectively, obscuring faith, knowledge, power and bliss. They obstruct the spiritual pro
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