Reality English Translation of Sarvarthasiddhi

SR No.: 001197
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S A Jain
Publisher: Jwalamalini Trust Chennai
Publication Year: 1992
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, Tattvartha Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, & Tattvarth
File Size: 20 MB

Page 166

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SUBSTANCES WITHOUT ACTIVITY
of motion etc. are without such activity (movement). If so there can be no origination. Things like the pitcher are originated (produced) by activity. If there is no origination, there can be no destruction. Hence the definition of all substances as characterized by origination, destruction and permanence cannot be held. No, it is not so. What is the reason? The presence of these can be established otherwise than by activity (movement). Though there is no origination by activity in the case of the medium of motion and the other two, it can be shown otherwise. It is thus. Origination is of two kinds, that is by internal and external causes. Origination by internal cause is described thus. By the authority of the scriptures infinite attributes agurghagynas', which maintain individuality of substances, are admitted. These undergo six different steps of infinitesimal changes of rhythmic rise and falli (increase and decrease). Origination and decay are established by these changes. External causes also produce origination and decay. The media of motion and rest are the causes of motion and rest of horses, cows and others, and space provides accommodation to them. The latter (horses etc.) are different from instant to instant. Hence it follows that the former which are the cause of the latter are also different from instant to instant. Thus origination and decay are attributed. It is objected that, if the medium of motion and the other two are without activity (movement), then these cannot be the cause of motion, rest and accommodation of living beings and forms of matter. For only substances such as water characterized by activity are the cause of the motion and rest of fish and other objects. There is no contradiction. These substances simply help living beings etc. in motion, rest, etc. just as the eyes. For instance, the eyes help in the sight of colour, but these are powerless in the case of a person whose mind is distracted?. If inactivity is admitted in the case of the medium of motion etc., it follows
1 This wave-like process is a common and natural feature of all substances, found in the atom as well as in the mass.
2 Dharma facilitates motion of objects which are impelled to move, but it does not itself impel them to move. It should be interpreted similarly with regard to adharma and äkāśa.