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.