Handbook of Jainology

SR No.: 001346
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 47

2
THE CREATION AND THE CONDUCT OR
MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIVERSE
Let us think briefly about the ideas we have mentioned in the introduction.
WHAT IS THE UNIVERSE ?
The universe is not merely inert matter. We do not discern in inert matter any kind of intelligence, thinking power or planning power or the capacity for making any endeavour. Therefore, the creation and the organized conduct and regulation of the universe that we perceive cannot be carried out by inert matter.
The Jivatatva or the element of consciousness functions along with the inert matter. The Universe gets created and regulated by the Jivatatva functioning with inert matter, exercising its intelligence, planning power and its capacity for making endeavours. In brief, the intelligence of the Jivatatva functioning with the help of inert matter brings about the universe and regulates it. The dust of inert Karma goes on clinging to the Jivatatva in proportion to the kind of intelligence that the Jivatatva exercises and the kind of endeavours it makes. When that Karma becomes ripe, it brings about transformations in inert matter; and from their combination and mutual reactions new creations go on taking place. So, we have to accept the theory that in the background three elements, the Jiva, the pudgals (inert substances) and the Karmas function together.
For example, a gardener sows seeds and puts manure and waters the seeds. With the help of these things namely the soil, the manures, the seeds and water, there appear trees, leaves, flowers and fruits of various shapes and taste. If we think of this phenomenon intelligently it becomes evident that the trees, flowers, leaves and fruits have been shaped out of inert pudgals and these shapes are formed in accordance with the karmas of the jivas to whom the shapes belong. The jiva creates karma exercising his intelligence and making endeavours, using inert substances.