________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
290
Atman and Moka
The Nyāya Vais'eșika systems recognise mind (manas) as not only an independent entity but also as the ninth substance. According to them, for the unification of the diverse states of mind some central agency is necessary, and thus, the manas forms a link between the senses and the soul. H. T. Colebrooke describes the manas or mind briefly as follows - “Mind is single. It is the instrument which effects the apprehension of pain, pleasure or interior sensations; and by its union with external senses, produces knowledge of exterior objects apprehended through them.." In these systems the soul does not possess knowledge eternally. It is no doubt a substratum of consciousness but consciousness does not constitute its essential nature. Consciousness develops in it as a guņa or quality when it comes to be associated with the external world through the manas and the body. Manas acts as an intermediary link between the soul and the sense organs. S. Radhakrishnan describes it in the following words "In its natural state the self is devoid of intelligence as in pralaya. It has cognitions of things when it is connected with body. Consciousness is sustained by the atman, though it is not an essential or inalienable characteristic of it. By means of manas the soul knows not only external things but also its own qualities. Though the soul is all-pervading, its life of knowing, feeling and activity resides only where the body is." The mind is extremely subtle and hence, it is imperceptible.
1 Colebrooke H. T.: Essays on the Religion and Philosophy of the Hindus, p. 172.
2 Radhakrishnan S. : Indian Philosophy, Vol. II, p. 190.
For Private And Personal
