Jiva

MIND, MATTER AND GOD : JIVA, JADA AND ISVARA
M.M.NINAN
Ishvara. He is not only the creator of the universe but is the universe itself. Vallabha
cites the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad account, that Brahman desired to become many,
and he became the multitude of individual souls and the world. Although Brahman is not
known, He is known when He manifests Himself through the world.
They appear
distinct only unitl one is identified as part God. Because of the internal plurality of form
Brahman is a Person. Brahman as such cannot be nirguna since there is plurality of
nature within.
“The grace of God” and “brahmsambandh,” (the relationship sambandh or union of the
soul with Brahman alone can transform the ordinary jiv (soul) to Pushti jiv (prosperous
soul). This is called “Pushti marg” which emphasizes Bhakthi as a means to be active
part of Brahman in service, Sri Vallabhacharya describes "Sayujya Mukti" as a form of
liberation wherein a Jiva will enjoy all the cherished desires along with the chief form of
Divinity. This Sayuja Mukti is also referred as "Nitya Lila Pravesha" or entering the
eternal sports of Divinity which is attained only by the special Grace of God.” As a part
of the Vaishnavite tradition, the God is identified as Krishna. Bhakti is the means of
salvation, though Jnana is also useful.
Chaitanya Prabhu also lived during his period who also used Singing and dancing as a
means of identification with Supreme Brahman in his Saguna form.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1534 AD)
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