The very term 'Purification of the Soul' is contradictory since the 'Soul' (Atman) is already pure and there is no need for its purification! However, this term has come into usage in spiritual practice as result of the understanding that the soul has acquired blemishes since it took the form of a body and form. The Soul being a spiritual entity, known for its pristine purity like a crystal it is believed to be reflecting or refracting whatever color that comes in contact with it! It is for this reason, the saying 'purification of the soul' came into usage. It only means removing what all has given it a name and form ar attribute it with certain powers and functions. The Soul, or Atman is by virtue of its manifestation as brahmn is eternal and unblemished. It has no quality, shape or function. It is the pure consciousness by itself and it is totally bereft of any attributes. Since the Atman or the soul is the basis of all that exists there exists no base for it! It is upadhi rahita.
Now, the question of cleansing the soul means removing what all covers or shades that cover the light, reducing its brightness. What all that covers the soul as a living being is the gross body of flesh and bones and blood. The five enveloped of the Atman are the annam or food, prana or the life-force, manas (Mind), jnyan (material knowledge), and the anand or joy and happiness that are often followed by misery and unhappiness. Hence these five envelopes should be removed! And, the the three qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas are creating a mess in the life of the jiva and once these are removed, there appears the glow of dvine light, the jiva jyoti, a light that needs no wick, oil or can! The jiva is entangled in its self-created web in such a way, like a silkworm weaving its cocoon, it seems extremely difficult, if not impossible, to come out of it. The jiva has spread its wings of desire so deep and wide that it cannot withdraw! The eyes ears, tongue and all that have developed hundreds of out-going instincts in search of recreation, entertainment and refreshments that the desire and wants never end! Now, a magical event, a turning point, a mysterious power only should bring them (these senses) back. The Guru is the answer.
Thus, the return journey of the jiva is one of discarding what all it has acquired to equip itself to play a drama in life, like an actor dressing up for a show. Once the drama is over, the jiva leaves the stage discarding what all it covered itself. In fact, all jivas put on a mask and play different roles in the drama of life, and lo, many forget their true nature and get lost in wilderness.
We have to remember that there is a script writer, a director and a producer behind all these shows! He is none else than Bhagavan Shree Krishna, as He Himself proclaims in the Gita. Here He advises Arjuna and through him to all of us how to get out of this magical Urdhvamula Ashvatha Tree where all jivas including their Creator, Protector and the Destroyer live !
Thus, the return journey of the jiva is one of discarding what all it has acquired to equip itself to play a drama in life, like an actor dressing up for a show. Once the drama is over, the jiva leaves the stage discarding what all it covered itself. In fact, all jivas put on a mask and play different roles in the drama of life, and lo, many forget their true nature and get lost in wilderness.
We have to remember that there is a script writer, a director and a producer behind all these shows! He is none else than Bhagavan Shree Krishna, as He Himself proclaims in the Gita. Here He advises Arjuna and through him to all of us how to get out of this magical Urdhvamula Ashvatha Tree where all jivas including their Creator, Protector and the Destroyer live !
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