English Writings

Essay � ??????

Parasparopagraho Jivanam

"Soul renders service to soul"

Tattvarthasutra, 5.21

The principle of parasparopagraho jivanam, the mutual support of living beings, is beginningless. From the most minute forms of existence, such as nigoda, where countless beings coexist within a single body, to higher states of embodiment, all living beings remain interconnected through the unfolding of karma.

Whenever a being experiences sata (pleasure), asata (pain), or any other karmic fruition, instrumental causes (nimitta) are inevitably involved. The five samavayas, the invariable causes, are present in every action. In this way, beings have, since eternity, served as instruments in one another's experiences, undergoing the results of past karma while simultaneously binding new karma.

When a being turns inward through vairagya and allied virtues, attaining atmasanmukhata, there arises the direct experience of the Self, atmanubhuti. This bliss of self-realisation is the highest goal. From such realisation naturally flows karu?a, a deep compassion for all living beings, along with the aspiration to guide others towards the same state. Such guidance is the highest form of service.

We therefore revere the enlightened ones, who have revealed this supreme path.

Yet, the service spoken of here pertains only to the role of the nimitta. The true relation between the karta (doer) and karma resides within the same dravya (substance), governed by the upadana (material cause). It is the upadana that transforms into the effect, not the nimitta.

� Jayesh Mohanlal Sheth