A Theory of Soul and Action - I

We, individuals, at once constitutive and linked with the “infinite well” of an immortal soul, are forever led in our actions towards that which will complete us and provide us with a self-fulfilling reward. But all our endeavours are mired with self-doubts, which act as bottle-necks in the flow of our action. Why does doubt exist in our minds and where does this doubt spring from?

We are all factors of this “infinite well” of an immortal soul of which we are components as well as external representations at the same time. How do we understand this immortal soul? Any thing which needs to be understood cannot be understood by the mere act of thinking. A thing in order to be understood needs to be understood through observing the properties or characteristics it exhibits. The immortal soul exists in its own right and “existence” is a characteristic of the immortal soul. All that which exists is a characteristic of the immortal soul. We humans are nothing but individual characteristic of the immortal soul. However, if we focus on few or some of the characteristics, then we may miss understanding that which is the immortal soul. There are numerous things in existence, as we understand existence today. Words, laws, principles, ethics, duties, numbers, humans, animals, nature, universe and many other infinite things are in existence. In order to understand the immortal soul one needs to understand infinity.

The discovery of zero, which essentially means nothing, led to the expansion of numbers to “infinity”. Infinity comprises everything, while zero comprises nothing. Even then the discovery of zero was the point of birth of infinity and thus the two are linked. Zero as a number was never invented, nor was infinity, but it was discovered as a number, in “addition” to the prevailing set of 9 numbers. Infinity multiplied with zero is zero, i.e., Infinity (that which is everything) when “multiplied” with zero has to necessarily bow to a “certain rule” and result in nothing. Thus that which is infinite when faced with its complete opposite becomes nothing. We can learn a certain lesson here, which I will take up immediately after the next paragraph.

Infinity exists as a characteristic of numbers but was birthed/discovered at the same time as zero was discovered/birthed. Infinity comes when numbers are taken to their progression, yet infinity also exists within two numbers (such as between 2 and 3 in the form of infinite series of decimal points). Infinity wouldn’t have been there if zero hadn’t been there. Or in other words, the “understanding” of zero wouldn’t be there without the concomitant understanding of “infinity”.

Thus when trying to comprehend the immortal soul, one needs to understand “infinite” characteristics of the immortal soul as well as “nothingness” within that drives all souls towards taking action, irrespective of the type and kind. So how do we understand which “action” is best for us and will lead to self-fulfilment? In order to do that we should understand the nature of our thought and the doubts that it presents to us. We must follow our doubts until the end of inward introspection. Doubts are “zeros” that are capable of nullifying our “infinite” thoughts and infinitely firm belief. Our infinite conviction can come to a shattering nothingness when faced with an equally convincing doubt. Often our ego comes into play during such a war between our conviction and our doubts. Our ego tells us to egg on with our conviction while our doubt puts a barrier to our action. The way “zero” led numbers to their destiny, “doubts” will lead humans to theirs. Ego should bow before doubt in the way “infinity” bows before “zero”.  By making way for doubts to come into us and making our ego bow before it, we can truly discover ourselves and the "individual" soul which is at once constitutive part and an external characteristic of the "immortal soul". The discovery of self is the first step that is required before one can plunge himself into joyful action.