Jiva

MIND, MATTER AND GOD : JIVA, JADA AND ISVARA
M.M.NINAN
In other worlds it is not the Nirguna Brahman that we are looking for as the ultimate
reality, but a Saguna Brahman – God with qualities. How did the singularity which has
no properties became one with infinite properties will always remain a mystery.
the argument is valid both for Mental Monism and Materialistic Monism
Here
Vishishtadvaita assumes that the universe as we experience consists of three groups of
realities:
a. Ishvara is Para-brahman with infinite superlative qualities, whose substantive nature
imparts the existence to the modes
b. Jivas are chit-brahman or sentient beings (which possess consciousness). They are
the modes of Brahman which show consciousness.
c. Jagat is achit-brahman or matter/Universe (which are non-conscious). They are the
mode of Brahman which are not conscious.
Brahman is the composite whole of the triad consisting of Ishvara along with his modes
i.e. Jivas and Jagat.
Ishvara
The word is derived from two words Isa and Param. Isa is derived from the Christian
name Yesu – Jesus. Thus the word can be translated as “Jesus is Lord”. Ishvara is
the Supreme Cosmic Spirit who maintains complete control over the Universe and all
the sentient beings, which together also form the pan-organistic body of Ishvara.
Ishvara is Parabrahman endowed with innumerable auspicious qualities (Kalyana
Gunas). Ishvara is perfect, omniscient, omnipresent, incorporeal, independent, the
creator of the universe, its active ruler. He is causeless, eternal and unchangeable —
and is yet the material and the efficient cause of the universe and sentient beings. He is
both immanent (like whiteness in milk) and transcendent (like a watch-maker
independent of a watch). He is the subject of worship. He is the basis of morality and
giver of the fruits of one's Karma. He rules the world with His Maya — His divine power.
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