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I. 12 ) CHAPTER I
[ 17 Characteristic of a real or entire thing or a thing in its integral whole is referred to in this verse :
दव्वं पज्जवविउयं दव्वविउत्ता य पज्जवा णत्थि । उप्पाय-ट्ठिइ-भंगा हंदि दवियलक्खणं एयं ॥१२॥
There cannot be a thing which is devoid of its modifications of birth and decay. On the other hand, modifications cannot exist without an abiding or eternal something -a permanent substance, for birth, decay and stability (continuance)--these three constitute the characteristic of a substance or Entity.'
By stating the characteristic of the Entity the true nature of it is here described. Nothing is there in this world that remains stable without the modifications of birth and decay In the same manner, there is nothing that is always subject to the modifications of birth and
1 This trinity of birth, decay and stability which has been defended by Jain writers, has been attacked by Budhistic writers such as NagArjuna and others. In Nāgārjuna’s MadhyamakaKárika, for instance, there is a chapter named Samskrta Pariksă. Therein is refuted this doctrine of trinity (of birth, decay and stability) said to be the characteristic of entity. Sub. sequent Bauddha writers have also tried to refute this doctrine. Jain logicians, on the other hand, seem to have tried to defend this doctrine wherever possible.
Compare Pancāstikāya : 1.12, and Tattvartha : 5.29.
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