Concept Of Pure Soul An Overview - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of "Concept of Pure Soul - An Overview" by Dr. Jayantilal Jain:

This book, "Concept of Pure Soul - An Overview," by Dr. Jayantilal Jain, posits that the concept of the pure soul is the fundamental and core tenet of Jainism, from which all other Jain principles and practices derive their meaning and purpose. In an age dominated by science and technology, which has provided material comfort but not necessarily inner peace, Dr. Jain argues that understanding the soul is crucial for a meaningful and tranquil existence. He emphasizes that while the soul is inherently secular, eternal, and pure, its understanding has been obscured by various factors, including different religious systems, languages, philosophies, cultures, social and political interests, and economic considerations.

The book outlines the following key aspects of the concept of the pure soul:

The Environment of the Soul: The universe, according to Jainism, comprises six fundamental matters: soul, atoms, space, medium of motion, medium of rest, and time. Of these, only the soul is living, while the rest are non-living. The soul and atoms are the only active matters, capable of movement, often influenced by the complex operation of karmic particles. A soul can exist in a state of bondage (influenced by karmas) leading to the cycle of births and deaths, or in a state of liberation (Moksha), free from bondage.
Mundane Existence: Mundane existence is characterized by ignorance of one's true self (the soul) and the complete operation of karmas. These karmas, accumulated from past lives, dictate the fulfillment of desires and perpetuate impurities within the soul, which are alien to its true nature. The type of species and external conditions one is born into are also a consequence of one's own karmas.
The Real Nature of the Soul: The soul's fundamental nature is pure consciousness, devoid of the properties of non-living substances. It possesses infinite inherent qualities such as life, consciousness, knowledge, vision, happiness, omnipotence, omni-vision, and omniscience. These properties exist latently during the cycle of births and deaths and manifest fully only in the liberated state of omniscience.
Independence in Functioning of Substances: The truly pure soul is free from karmas, bodies, senses, mind, and all material attributes like color, smell, taste, and touch. It is also free from emotions like attachment, detachment, anger, greed, delusion, and ego. The diverse forms and bodies that souls inhabit (from germs to heavenly beings) are temporary associations due to karmas and do not represent the soul's ultimate reality. Each of the six universal matters functions independently, without interfering with others.
Realization of the Soul: The path to Moksha (salvation) lies in realizing the true, infinite nature of the soul. By contemplating these inherent, indivisible properties, one achieves self-realization. The moment an individual perceives themselves as the pure soul, the journey to liberation begins, and sustained practice leads to its attainment.
Causal Nature of the Soul: The soul's fundamental causal nature is distinct from bodily characteristics, senses, or vital energy (prana). True knowledge of the soul's eternal nature, as reflected in its infinite properties, is the sole cause for its realization. Senses and prana are attributes of the inanimate body, not the soul. In Jainism, causality is understood as intrinsic to each substance, with actions occurring independently and within the substance itself.
Infinite Souls and Infinite Power: The universe contains an infinite number of individual souls, not a single pervading soul or a part of a "Great Soul." The soul possesses infinite properties, far exceeding units of space and time, and its power surpasses that of all other substances combined, making it the most wondrous entity in the universe.
Oneness of God and Pure Soul: In Jainism, every soul has the potential to become a "God" by realizing its true, pure nature. God is understood as a pure, perfect, liberated soul, not a creator or controller of the universe. There are infinite liberated souls, hence infinite Gods, with the number continuously increasing. Pure souls do not cause external changes; they manifest themselves infinitely.
Object of Meditation: Jainism does not advocate devotion through rituals or prayers to a divine being for salvation. True liberation is achieved through self-effort, self-realization, and constant meditation on the eternal, true nature of the soul. God (the liberated pure soul) does not intervene from Moksha to help others.
Secular Concept: The concept of the pure soul is inherently secular, characterized by eternality, purity, independence, universal benefit, timeless relevance, all-pervading knowledge, self-reliance, and a divine nature. It is free from biases and blind faith. The numerous names attributed to God in Jainism are merely references to different attributes of the one pure soul.

In conclusion, Dr. Jain presents the concept of the pure soul as an integrated, secular, and holistic understanding crucial for universal well-being. The pure soul is an "ocean of infinite jewels/treasure of properties," each describing a permanent, immutable, and unconquerable attribute. Recognizing the value of these properties is akin to recognizing the value of the pure soul, which is described as the "crown of the Universe" and possesses infinite power.

The author, Dr. Jayantilal Jain, is an accomplished scholar with a Ph.D. in Economics and a Ph.D. in Jainology, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to his work on Jain philosophy.