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JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
Manahparyaya Jñāna
Manahparyaya jñāna means the reading of thought waves. It is obtained when soul is extraordinarily purified through a high order of conduct. Only a monk can have it. Kevala Jñāna
Kevala jñāna means the knowledge of the absolute. It dawns when obscurance is totally removed and all the power of soul get their full manifestation. It is same as
realization in other systsms.
The word Kevala means absolute. In the aphorism of Patñjali as well as in the system of Sankhya. Kaivalya means the knowledge of distinction between consciousness and matter. In Buddhism it is interpreted as the highest knowledge. But in Jainism, it is interpreted as omniscience. Etymologically, the word Kevala dees not mean 'all'. It appears that the sense of omniscience is later innovation.
In India systems omniscience is regarded a supernatural power obtained through Yogic practices. No where, except Jainism it is held as a necessary equipment for salvation. Jains also included it among labdhis; i. e. supernatural powers, which are not necessary steps in the path of salvation. In Buddhism the knowledge of four Great Truths is sufficient for obtaining Nirvaṇa, Omniscience is an equipment of Bodhisattva only, who adopts the carrier of preaching others and converting them to his order. In Brāhmaṇical school it is an epithet of God. It can also be possessed by the ascetics of high order. The Jain Tirthankara compares well with the Bodhisattva of Buddhism. He also adopts the carrier of
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