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Tattvartha Sutra
The knowledge derived from the mind (matijñāna) engages with existing objects, while the knowledge derived from hearing (śrutajñāna) deals with past, present, and future matters in a systematic way. Aside from this distinction of subject, there is also the difference that in matijñāna, there is no mention of words, whereas in śrutajñāna, there is. Therefore, the distinguishing characteristic of both is that the knowledge which is sensory and mental, along with the mention of words, is śrutajñāna, and the knowledge that is devoid of such mention is matijñāna. In summary, although both types of knowledge involve the senses and the mind equally, matijñāna is lesser in subject matter than śrutajñāna, and also less clear. This is because, in śrutajñāna, the predominance of mental activity makes the thoughts more profound and clear, and there is also a connection between the past and future. Alternatively, it can be expressed that the knowledge generated by the senses and the mind is the initial immature aspect known as matijñāna, and the latter, mature and clear aspect is known as śrutajñāna. Therefore, it can also be said that knowledge that can be expressed in language is śrutajñāna, and knowledge that has not reached expression in language is matijñāna. If we refer to śrutajñāna as milk, then matijñāna can be referred to as cream.
How then does śrutajñāna manifest in various forms and contrasts?
1. The mention of words arises from the grasping of reality in the context of meaning. That is, just as causal memory and following occur at the time of the emergence of śrutajñāna, these are not required in the emergence of matijñāna.