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JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
The above proposition is followed by the judgement which transfers the probability into a decision. It is called Avāya.
This judgement is further confirmed in the stage of Dhāraṇā, where the impression takes a firm root in the mind and can revive later on as memory. It leaves a definite impression in the subconscious mind. Sruta Jñāna
The Sruta is just like Sruti in the Vedic tradition. It is the knowledge based on scriptures or the words of authority.
While describing it in detail the Jains enumerate their canonical literature of the period after Mahāvira which is divided into Angapavittha i.e. occupying the position of a limb in the body of canon personified and Anangapavittha (not occupied as a limb). The preMahāvirian canon was divided into fourteen Purvas.
It should be mentioned here that Jains do not regard their scriptures as eternal or the words of some eternal being. In every cycle of time, new pontifs are born and give their sermons as they like. Those sermons are arranged into book by their chief disciples known as Ganadhão ras. In addition the contribution of Srutakevalins (the sages possessing the knowledge of complete fourteen Purvas) and of those with a minimum knowledge of ten Purvas also are regarded as Āgamas. The composition of Ganadhāras is regaded as Angapavitha, while that of other as Anangapavitha. In the post-Mahāvirian tradition there are twelve Angas. The number of not-angas is uncertain.
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