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Chapter is – Sutra 23-25
15
Only they have. The essence is that humans and the lower beings (tiryanchas) are of different types, in which the lower beings do not have a mind. Among the five beings visible, only humans and those born from the womb have a mind.
Question: How to know who has a mind and who doesn't?
Answer: It can be known from the above.
Question: The term 'sanjna' refers to a state of consciousness, and this state is seen in various forms. For example, in worms, insects, and similar beings, characteristics like food intake or fear are evident. So why is it not considered that those beings have a mind?
- Here, 'sanjna' does not mean a general state; rather, it indicates a special state. A special state means the consideration of virtues and faults, through which welfare can be attained and harm can be avoided. This special state is called 'sampradharana sanjna' in scriptures. This is the function of the mind, which is distinctly seen in gods, hell beings, womb-born humans, and those in lower forms. Hence, they are considered to possess minds.
* For further details, refer to A0 2, Sutra 32.1. For a detailed explanation, see Hindi 'Kam Granth' Choutha, p. 38, where the term 'sanjna' is elaborated.