Significance of Embodied soul
The term "Embodied soul" describes the nature of souls trapped within physical forms across various spiritual contexts, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Ayurveda, Dharmashastra, and Pancaratra. It signifies souls experiencing limitations due to their association with a body, leading to a cycle of birth, death, and experiences influenced by past actions (karma). The embodied soul often confuses its true spiritual essence with its physical form, highlighting the challenges and attachments of material existence, while striving for spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Physical soul, Manifested essence, Living being, Living soul, Physical being
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Embodied soul'
In Hinduism, the Embodied soul (Dehi) refers to the eternal essence residing in a physical body, experiencing life's cycles bound by karma, and often confused with identity, navigating the material world and its inherent challenges.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The soul that is considered to reside as the ego or personal identity within the body.[1] (2) The expression of the soul through human form, encompassing both spiritual and physical identities.[2] (3) Souls that inhabit physical forms and are subject to the experiences of the material world.[3] (4) The essence of a being that encounters illusions or hallucinations due to its identification with the material world.[4] (5) The concept of a soul contained within a physical body, which is subject to error and perception troubles, unlike the spiritual form.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Souls that are currently inhabiting a physical form in the material world.[6] (2) The conscious self that is integrated with a physical body, which experiences dreams influenced by various desires.[7] (3) The spiritual essence that is tied closely to the physical body during life.[8] (4) The Soul covered by physical attributes and experiences, distinct from its original pure state.[9] (5) The eternal essence of an individual that experiences life through various physical forms and stages.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The living being in a physical form, subject to the laws of Karma, experiencing life and death.[11] (2) A living being bound within the physical form and influenced by egoism.[12] (3) The living beings, referred to as Jivas, that experience a cycle of birth, death, pleasure, and pain.[13] (4) A being that exists in the material world and is subject to delusion (Moha) due to Maya.[14] (5) The entity bound by Karma, also referred to as Dehi, which acts and enjoys experiences.[15]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Jivas intertwined with physical bodies who endure experiences resulting from past actions.[16] (2) Also termed jiva, it refers to the aspect of the self that is experiencing and expressing through the physical body.[17] (3) Living beings that possess a physical body, undergoing various cycles of life and death (Samsara).[18]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The individual self that resides within the physical body, capable of experiencing life and making choices.[19]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to any being with a physical form who experiences reality, and whose well-being affects the divine Murti.[20]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The manifestation of a divine being in a physical form, allowing for interaction with the material world.[21]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The concept indicating that the true essence of beings is eternal, beyond the physical cycle of birth and death.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The soul that is currently inhabiting a physical body, which is subject to experiences of enjoyment.[23] (2) The subject who meditates or contemplates, according to the Smriti texts.[24] (3) Living beings that are perceived in various forms and states, contrasting with the unembodied Brahman.[25] (4) The state of the Soul when it is connected with a physical body, experiencing various states such as waking, dreaming, and sleep.[26] (5) A soul that is inhabiting a physical form and engaged in the various experiences of life.[27]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A being that is focused on personal attachment to its body and self, rather than to material possessions.[28] (2) Refers to living beings who have taken on a physical body, indicating that they experience both joys and sufferings in their existence.[29] (3) An entity that is enclosed within a physical body and often mistakenly identifies with it.[30] (4) A living being taking physical form, emphasized in the text to depict that spirtual qualities transcend bodily designations.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) the soul that is experiencing existence within a body[32] (2) Describes an individual in physical form, highlighting concerns regarding lifespan and the ability to fulfill spiritual desires.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the soul when it is associated with a physical body, distinguishing it from the pure essence of the soul.[34]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Entities that have taken physical form and keep moving through Samsara, experiencing the grindstone of Fate.[35] (2) Sentient beings that have taken physical form and navigate worldly existence influenced by past actions (karma).[36] (3) Living beings who have physical forms and are bound by the material world and its qualities.[37]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Sakala, refers to the individual spirit that is currently residing in a physical body.[38]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The soul that has taken on a physical form and is subject to various experiences based on deeds and desires.[39]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A term describing the soul in relation to the body, highlighting the connection that fosters effort and action.[40] (2) Refers to the existence of sentient beings that interact with fluid atoms and influence their properties and behaviors.[41]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The eternal and indescribable aspect of the spirit recognized as shaping the identity and existence of the embryo.[42]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to individual souls or beings trapped in the cycle of existence, akin to waves on the ocean.[43]
Jain concept of 'Embodied soul'
In Jainism, the embodied soul is defined as a soul constrained by physical existence, experiencing limitations in its movement and essence, contrasting with the liberated soul, and is also associated with material substances impacting clairvoyance.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A soul that is trapped in a physical form, facing limitations and obstructions in its movement as compared to a liberated soul.[44] (2) Souls that are captured within a physical form, included as part of the substances with form discussed in the context of clairvoyance.[45]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Another term for jivas that possess sensory organs.[46]