Welcome to Adiyen Sri Ramanuja Dasan !
" Srimathe Ramanujaya Namaha !"
138) Sometimes, I read the words “attributive knowledge” (Dharmabhuta Jnana). What is this?
As I explained earlier, the soul itself is of the nature of knowledge, but it has also knowledge as an attribute or quality
Let me explain by a simple example. We have a lamp. When the lamp is lighted, the lamp lights up the surrounding areas. At the same time, the lamp itself glows with light. In other words, by the lighting of a lamp, the surrounding areas are seen by us and the lamp itself is also seen by us.Somewhat similarly, by the attributive knowledge of the soul, we are able to understand the surrounding things. It is this attributive knowledge, which is contracted or restricted, when the Jivatma is in samsara.
139) You were saying that the soul is atomic in size.How is it then we are able to see the various places, the various things, which are quite far off?
Again, the example of the light that I gave you will apply. You keep the lamp at one place but you are able to see things which are quite far off by the light of the lamp. Similarly, by the attributive knowledge of the soul, you are able to see things which are far off.
140) I do not understand your saying that the essential nature of the soul or Jivatma is happiness; In this world, we face so many sorrows and difficulties. It is rarely that we are happy. How do you say that the Jivatma is essentially happy?
The essential nature of the soul is indeed happiness. But because of his contact with the body and as a result of his previous karma (papa or sin), the degree of happiness is reduced. Once he attains moksha, the permanent happiness is fully restored.
Jai Srimannaryana !
Thanks for your valuable time. Visit our web site again for more information and latest updates.