The idea of the soul has fascinated and mystified people across different cultures and philosophical traditions for centuries.
In Hebrew, the word for soul, "nephesh," means "breath," emphasizing the deep connection between the soul and the essential act of breathing. The term "soul" has its roots in Old English and is linked to Old Norse and Old High German, all tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word "saiw," which might have symbolized the enigmatic depths of the sea initially ("coming from or relating to the sea").
The soul is often depicted as the very core of an individual, encompassing their
π identity,
π consciousness and
π unconscious experiences.
It is understood in various ways:
π as immortal &
π separate from the physical body or
π intricately intertwined with our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.
Sigmund Freud's understanding of the soul [ he called it "psyche" ] involves dividing it into three parts:
1) the id [ primal instincts ]
2) ego, [ rational thought ]
3) superego [ internalized values, ethics, morals ]
Carl Jung, a well-known psychologist, connected the soul with what he called the "collective unconscious." [ archetypes shared by all Humans ] This unconscious is like a treasure chest in our minds that holds universal symbols and valuable wisdom from many past generations that we all share.
In Hindu spirituality, the soul is known as the "Atman," believed to be the immortal substance [ spirit ] that transcends the physical body and mind.
The soul is often associated with self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation as it strives to realize its divine potential in the physical world.
Some philosophical perspectives suggest that the soul is not a separate entity but is instead an expression of the intricate functioning of the body, which is interconnected with nature.
Thus, the soul can be seen as the unique divine spark
[ Archetypes shared by all Humans ] that also define
each individual, encapsulating their true self, thoughts, feelings, and deepest
essence.
RELIGIONS ?? [ with my limited knowledge ]
π The Holy Bhagavad Gita describes the soul as the
π unchanging core of a person
π that exists beyond the physical body and mind.
It emphasizes the
π soul's immortality,
πdivine nature & its role as an inner guide. Additionally, the text discusses the idea of the
π soul being interconnected with any part of the entire universe.
we need to nurture and purify our soul for spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God
π The Holy Quran teaches that the
π soul is a divine gift from Allah (God ),
π eternal and
π responsible for its actions.
It emphasizes the
π soul's inner knowledge,
π accountability, and
π connection to the divine,
we need to nurture and purify it for spiritual enlightenment and closeness to Allah.
π The Holy Bible presents the soul as a complex and integral aspect of human existence, encompassing the spiritual, emotional, and conscious dimensions of a person. It teaches that
π Each human soul is uniquely crafted by God,
π immortal, &
π transcends physical death.
The soul is viewed as the
π inner essence of a person,
π guiding individuals in their relationship with God and others.
π It can undergo transformation and renewal through spiritual growth, repentance, and alignment with God's will.
π The soul represents the core of one's being and serves as a vessel for spiritual growth, redemption, and eternal life.
π The Holy Buddhism's teachings revolve around the
π concept of "non-self" or "not-self," emphasizing the
π impermanent nature of existence and
π the interconnectedness of all phenomena.
The philosophy
π rejects the idea of a permanent, unchanging self. It introduces the concept of π reincarnation based on the law of cause and effect, known as karma.
π Practitioners seek to transcend suffering and gain insight into reality's true nature by understanding existence's impermanent and interconnected nature.
π The Holy Jainism teaches that
π EVERY living being possesses a jiva -an eternal soul;
π the soul is immortal and without beginning or end, undergoing cycles of birth, death, and rebirth based on karma., and
π liberation through non-violence, ethical living, and spiritual practice.
The ultimate goal in Jainism is to free the soul from karmic bondage through spiritual purification, moral living, and detachment from worldly attachments.
By living in alignment with the principles of
π nonviolence,
π truthfulness &
π self-discipline,
Jainists seek to uplift and purify the soul, ultimately attaining spiritual liberation.
π The Holy Sikhism is encapsulated in the concept of
π "Ik Onkar," meaning "One God."
Sikhs believe in the existence of one supreme, formless, and transcendental Creator who is the source of all creation, including the soul. Sikhism teaches that
π each individual possesses a soul, which is considered immortal, unchanging, and eternal, transcending physical birth and death.
π The goal of spiritual evolution in Sikhism is to attain union with Waheguru, the Sikh term for God, through
π Meditation,
π selfless service, & living a moral life. Sikhi also teaches the concepts of karma and reincarnation,
Sikhism teaches that the soul is a divine essence connected to the universal consciousness. By living in accordance with its teachings, individuals can experience spiritual growth and eventually merge their individual souls with the eternal soul of God, Just as many Religions say it
The π» common moral across these teachings emphasizes π»
π nurturing and purifying the soul for spiritual enlightenment &
π closeness to the divine.
They all advocate for
π living a moral life,
π practising self-discipline and
π seeking spiritual liberation through
π ethical living,
π detachment from worldly attachments and
π union with the God.
NOTE: Fonts and emoji sizes were set to be the same, but the blogger website is displaying some religious emojis larger and some smaller. I am not able to correct it, so I left it as is.
FINALLY
I believe the soul is a profound and intricate aspect of our being, encompassing our uniqueness, universal connectedness, self-awareness, and subconscious experiences.
A mysterious essence unlocks the gateway to our true selves and innermost thoughts. The soul, believed to be immortal, separate from our physical form yet also intertwined with our thoughts and feelings, transcends physical boundaries, offering access to spiritual realms and higher consciousness.
As psychologists delve into the soul's intricacies, unravelling its mysteries, spirituality and & various religious beliefs offer profound insights into its nature and purpose.
Through these diverse perspectives, we embark on a journey of personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, and deep connection to the divine and the natural world.
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