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14
Tattvarthasutra
The tradition of stating the causes is to distinguish the four types of causes in a single karma. The intention of the tradition of the five blind causes is not different from that of the four, and if there is any difference, it is only that it is necessary to explain the subject in detail to the inquisitive disciple.
Definition of Blind Causes
Mithyatva: Mithyatva means false vision, which is the direct opposite of right vision. Right vision arises from a true understanding of things, while contrary vision arises from a misunderstanding. The first involves a complete lack of understanding of the truth of things, while the second involves a misunderstanding of things. The difference between the first and the second is that the first can exist in a completely ignorant state, whereas the second exists in a thoughtful state. Even though the thought process may be developed, if due to strong attachment one remains fixed on a single viewpoint, the perspective is called mithyadarshan (false vision) due to bias against the truth, even while being in a thoughtful state. As it is instructional, it is termed 'abhrigraha'. When the thoughtful state is not active, ignorance purely results from the burden of beginningless coverings. At that time, just as there is no understanding of truth, there is also no understanding of the false; at that time, there is only ignorance, which is a lack of faith in the truth. This is termed 'ungrasped owing to being independent of natural instruction'. All forms of attachment to vision, whether direct or peripheral, are included as mithyadarshan; they can exist in a developed species like humans. The other ungrasped mithyadarshi (false seer) could potentially be in a species like insects, worms, etc., with a muddled consciousness.