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## 86] Sarvarthasiddhi
[1120 8 2076 207. It is said that Shruta-jnana (knowledge derived from scriptures) is without beginning and end. If it is considered to be preceded by Mati-jnana (knowledge based on reasoning), then it would not be without beginning and end, because what has a beginning must have an end. Therefore, it is argued that Shruta-jnana is not authentic because it is a product of human effort. This is not a valid objection, because Shruta-jnana is considered to be without beginning and end based on the general principle of Dravya (substance) etc. It is not created by any human being at any time or in any way. Its beginning and end are possible only in relation to specific principles of Dravya etc., hence it is said to be "preceded by Mati-jnana". Just as a sprout arises from a seed, it is without beginning and end in relation to its lineage. Moreover, being non-human in origin is not a reason for authenticity, because if it were, then the teachings of thieves etc., whose creators are not remembered, would also be considered authentic. And what is the contradiction in accepting the authenticity of Pratyaksha (direct perception) etc., which are impermanent?
$ 208. It is argued that the statement "Shruta-jnana is preceded by Mati-jnana" is not applicable in the case of the simultaneous emergence of Samyak-tva (right faith) and knowledge. This is not correct, because Samyak-tva is not the cause of knowledge. The attainment of the Self is gradual, therefore there is no contradiction in the statement "Shruta-jnana is preceded by Mati-jnana".
$ 209. It is argued that the definition "Shruta-jnana is preceded by Mati-jnana" is not comprehensive, because Shruta-jnana can also be preceded by Shruta-jnana. For example, a being hears the sound of words, which are composed of Pudgala-skandhas (aggregates of matter), and through the ear-sense organ, it acquires knowledge of the words. Subsequently, it acquires knowledge of a pot, which is the first Shruta-jnana. If it has a connection with the pot, then after this knowledge of the pot, it acquires knowledge of other actions like holding water, etc., and then Shruta-jnana arises from Shruta-jnana. Or, a being perceives the objects of the eye-sense organ etc. 1. -Shrutakartva-mu. 2. 'Naana-naana-ni ya samkalaai jao maisuyaai. To na suyam maippavva madanaane va suyannaanam'-vi-bha. ga. 107. 3. 'Ihaladdhi maisuyaai samkalaai na tuvaogo si. Maipuvva suyam iha pun suoopaogo maippabhavo. -vi. bha. ga. 108. 4. Padavyakhyaadi-aa., di. 1. 5. Sangati mu. 6. Sambandhantran-ta., na.