Theories of Jiva

    According to the famous Text illuminating us about the Soul, the 'Atmabodha' of Sri Shankaracharya, there are three theories regarding the Jiva. Frst, the Jiva is defined as 'the Pure Consciousness limited by the upadhi of vijnyanamaya kosha, appears as a phenomenal being or individualized soul. The phenomenal existence makes it forget its true 'oneness with the Absolute (nouminal state). The upadhi is the buddhi. The phenomenal existence makes the buddhi limited since it comes under niyati, limitations of time, space, and causality. Hence it cannot think about the vast, abstract, silent nature of existence! The jiva is further enomoured by the sensuous world due to ignorance. This ignorance as to the true nature existence, the reality, causes all the illusions and disillusionment of the jiva.

  The jiva is a reflection of the Consciousness. This reflection makes it appear as real! The jiva experiences the illusion. A reflection assumes the characteristics of the medium in which the object is reflected. It is like the reflection of the sun in water. it appears as still or moving according to the medium in which it is reflected! Another theory is like a being seen in a dream! Here the Brahmn or Pure Consciousness appears in multitudes of animate and inanimate objects as in dream. Brahmn only appears as jiva! When the jiva realizes it is a dreamland in which it is rejoicing, it drops its ignorance realizes its true nature of sat, chit, and ananda. It is like a King dreaming as a beggar in a desert asking for water. He realizes it is a dream and soon forgets it! 
     Thus, jiva realizes the limitations imposed on it by dream, maya. The Maya theory is very important. The material objective phenomenal world comes into existence due to the yogic power of the Lord. The Lord projects and withdraws the world at His will! Nothing is real here.
   Thus, Reflection of Consciousness, Maya or Illusion, or state of dream determine the nature of the relative existence of the jiva on this earth. The jiva dons a role and lives a make-believe existence here! If the name, form and function and all limitations imposed on it are removed by yogabhyasa it becomes the true brahmn only!

   As we have already realized the fact that the world moves on whether we are here or not. Many of our kith and kin, loved ones, have departed and, so also, do we one day! All that is born here are sure to exit. Nothing is permanent! This is not just philosophy, negativity, or escapism that the Westerners think and believe. It is the reality. Only a yogi knows this truth. tasmad  yogirbhavaarjuna, says the lord!