Philosophy In Jain Agams: Soul is One

Soul is the central concept of Jain philosophy. In the world of philosophy,   numerical   concept   regarding   soul   has   also been postulated. Some of the Indian philosophies deem the soul as one.^[1] Some believe in the multiplicity of souls.^[2] Jain philosophy is non-absolutistic. In the context of the number of souls, the concept of non -absolutism is applied. Naya (relative view point) is the basis of non-absolutism. The synthetic view point accepts the non-difference and the analytic view point accepts the differences. 'ege āyā'^[3] This statement of Ṭhāṇaṃ is acceptable on the basis of the synthetic naya and according to the analytic naya, souls are multiple in number. The cognitive activity is the common characteristic for all the souls. On the basis of this shared commonality, the soul has been regarded as one.^[4] 'ege āyā' - In this statement, the collection of all the infinite souls in one class has been done on the basis of the synthetic point of view.

Souls are infinite in number - this postulation is also found in Jain philosophy. They all have an independent existence. In their liberated status also, they do not get merged with any supreme being like Brahma etc. Their independent status continues even after liberation. Jainism does not have any difficulty in accepting the principle of 'ege āyā'. The solid base of synthetic naya establishes this reality.