The concept of soul has been a subject of serious contemplation for
scholars, philosophers, theologians, and prophets since hoary past. In
religion and philosophy, the term 'soul' is used, in most comprehensive
sense, as a 'non-material' and immortal substance housed in the physical
body. In philosophy and religion, both East and West, the ultimate aim of
life is to know the true nature of the 'self, and then to become a part and
parcel of the divine. It is the essential principle of human nature, the basis
of conscious and continuous individual existence. It is often analyzed in
conjunction with such other terms as mind (nous), psyche, self and spirit.