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CHAPTER II
THE CONCEPT OF OMNISCIENCE : A STUDY OF THE INDIAN BACKGROUND
1. The Non-believers in Omniscience ( Asarvajñavādins )
(A)
Introductory
The problem of omniscience has been a matter of abiding interest for Indian philosophy, religion and culture. It is therefore necessary to discuss its ancient philosophical background. Every idea or ideology in order to be properly understood, needs to be studied both in its background and fore. ground.
Though it is quite clear that idea of omniscience has been accepted, in some form or other, by almost all the Indian systems of Philosophy except the Cārvākas,' it is not possible to present a chronological account for want of historical records. The idea of omniscience is as old as the Indian culture and its germs are found in many Vedic and non-Vedic sources which date long before the canonical scriptures came into being. This is also because the Hindus, the Buddhists and the Jainas believe that there respective religions are eternal and are taught at different cycles of tim by sages called the Buddhas, the Tirthārkaras and the Avatāras, and they were all omniscient beings.
1 Even to the Mimāṁsakas“ all that is pertinent is the denial of
knowledge of dharma by man........who is denying the possibility of a person knowing other things”-Tattva Sangraha, K. 3128. Also see Kumārila's Sloka-Vartika, II.110-11, “ The passage in question does not set aside omniscience. ...,
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