Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

Page 68

A SOURCB-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
47
Bhagayatīsūtra, Mahāvira has explained the problem of the nature and the ultimate substance of the universel. He said that the basis of the universe could be presented in eight forms :
1. Air is in Akāša. 2. The sea has its basis in the air. 3. The earth is in the sea. 4. The moving and the non-moving beings are on the earth. 5. Ajiva is based on Jīva. 6. Jīva encrusted with karman is dependent on karman. 7. Ajiva is comprehended with the help of Jiva. 8. Jiva comprehends the nature of karman and is covered by
kārmic particles.
The primary elements of the universe are earth, water, air and space. On the basis of these elements, the constitution of the universe is found. The fundamental substances of matter (ajīva) and life (jiva) are inter-related and inter-dependent on each other. Jiva is the support of ajīva, in a sense, and ajīva is dependent on jiva. Karman is the matrix of mundane souls (sarhsäri jīva) and jīva gets involved in the wheel of samsāra due to the influx of karman. Similarly, body is the abode of the soul. The soul when bound by karmic matter gets embodied and becomes involved in the wheel of life and death. Karman is responsible for the embodiinent of the soul and thereby all the physical activities arise.
.? THE THEORY OF CREATION (SRSTIVĀDA)
Considered from the point of view of the end, we can say that the universe is beginningless and endless froin the point of view of substance ; it has a beginning and an end from the point of view of its modes (Paryāya). There are two fundamental substances in the universe : the jīva (living substance) and ajīva (non-living substance) This is the dichotomous division of the substances. Both the sub. stances are beginningless and eternal. There is no relation between them as to the prior and posterior. From the point of view of modifications, the universe is constantly changing. The changes are of
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Bhagavati : 1, 6.