Pure Soul And Its Infinite Treasure

"Pure Soul and Its Infinite Treasure" by Dr. Jayantilal Jain, published by the Department of Jainology, University of Madras, and the Research Foundation for Jainology, Chennai, is a profound exploration of the Jain concept of the pure soul and its boundless spiritual potential. The book, an abridged version of Dr. Jain's doctoral thesis, aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of the soul, presenting it not just as a spiritual entity but also through a secular and scientific lens.

The core message of the book is that the soul is an infinitely rich reservoir of knowledge, vision, power, and happiness, often unrecognized or misunderstood due to ignorance and misconceptions. Dr. Jain emphasizes that true happiness and liberation (Moksha) lie in understanding and realizing this inherent nature of the pure soul, which is considered the ultimate pursuit in life.

Key themes and concepts discussed in the book include:

• Universal Happiness: The book advocates for a "globalization of happiness and peace" over economic globalization, suggesting that spiritual endeavors, centered on the pure soul, are essential for solving societal problems like mental tension, violence, and environmental imbalance.
• The Nature of the Pure Soul: The text delves into the fundamental characteristics of the soul, distinguishing it from non-soul substances. It describes the soul as an eternal, conscious, and blissful entity, possessing infinite knowledge, vision, power, and happiness. The book meticulously debunks misconceptions about the soul being associated with the body, senses, or external factors.
• The Path to Real Nature: Dr. Jain outlines the spiritual journey towards realizing the true nature of the soul. This involves understanding core Jain principles like the nine tattvas (principles), the concept of karma, and the processes of samvara (stoppage of karma) and nirjara (shedding of karma). The "three jewels" – Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct – are presented as the scientific basis for self-purification and liberation.
• A Reservoir of Infinite Power: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to detailing numerous attributes and properties of the pure soul, presented as its "infinite treasure." These include characteristics like livingness (Jivatva), consciousness (Chiti), vision (Dasi), knowledge (Jnana), infinite happiness (Sukh), creative power (Virya), supreme sovereignty (Prabhutva), all-pervasiveness (Vibhutva), omnivision (Sarvadarsi), omniscience (Sarvajnatva), transparent reflection (Swachhatva), self-illuminating nature (Prakashtva), unlimited development of potential (Asankuchit Vikas), non-causative nature (Akarya-Karan), being a knower and knowable (Parinamya-Parinam), non-acquisition and non-desertion (Tyag-Uppadanshunyatva), self-perpetuation (Aguru-Lagutava), appearance-disappearance-eternality (Utpad-Vyaya-Dhruvatva), changeability (Parinam), abstractness (Amurt), inactivity (Akartatva), non-indulgence (Abhoktraratva), vibrationless nature (Nishkriyatva), invariable territory (Niyatpradeshatva), self-pervading nature (Swadharma-Vyapak), common-uncommon characteristics (Sadharan-Asadharan), unity in infinity (Anantdharm), conflicting characteristics (Viruddhadharm), elemental transformation (Tattva), self-induced causation (Bhav), infinite power of re-engineering (Kriya), the power of Karma (referring to the soul's perfect nature), the performer (Karta), instrumentality (Karana), obligation to self (Sampradan), inexhaustible treasure (Apadan), self-refuge (Adhikaran), and self-owned relationship (Swaswami-Sambandh). The book lists over 1000 names attributed to the pure soul, each reflecting a specific attribute or characteristic, highlighting its infinite and divine nature.
• Secular Underpinnings: Dr. Jain strongly asserts that the concept of the pure soul is fundamentally secular, eternal, and universally relevant. He argues that its principles are not tied to any particular religion, nationality, or belief system but are based on the inherent nature of the soul, applicable to all living beings across the universe. The book provides numerous criteria to establish the secular nature of the concept, including its organic processes, technological re-engineering potential, independence, self-orientation, scientific basis, and universal appeal for welfare.
• A Treasure House of Names: The final chapter presents an extensive list of over 1000 names for the pure soul, drawn from Jain scriptures and philosophical traditions. These names, explained in detail, serve to further elaborate the infinite attributes and divine qualities of the soul, reinforcing its supreme status and the path to liberation.

"Pure Soul and Its Infinite Treasure" is presented as a comprehensive guide for seekers of spiritual truth, offering a systematic and analytical approach to understanding the Jain perspective on the soul. The author's aim is to encourage readers to turn inward, realize their true, pure, and infinite potential, and thereby achieve eternal happiness and liberation. The book is written in accessible language, aiming to be understood by a broad audience, including non-Jains and non-Hindi speakers.