Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion

SR No.: 001747
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramjee Singh
Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 282
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, & Yoga
File Size: 15 MB

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Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion
knowledge would also be ever-complete. If the knowledge is regarded as simultaneous, there will be confusion and contradiction due to the presence of contradictory objects at the same time. Past and future are non-existent at the present time, hence a knowledge about them would always be illusory. (8) Some Proofs for the Existence of Omniscience
We have to face these difficulties because we regard omniscience only as ordinary perception writ large. As a matter of fact omniscience is a form of direct simultaneousl extra. sensory-perception where there is no scope for CONFUSION, ILLUSION or IGNORANCE. “Our phenomenal knowledge suggests the noumenal as a necessity of thought, but not known through the empirical Pramāpas.2 Metaphysically, manifold and complete objectivity implies some extra-ordinary perception. Psychologically, differences in intelligence etc. in human beings presuppose the possibility of omniscience, somewhere and in some body. Logically, on account of the lack of contradictory proof, it is established beyond doubt. According to the researches made by Sukhalal Sanghavi, the origin of all these proofs may by traced back to the YogaSūtra of Patanjali.3 Knowledge like measure and quantity has got degrees, hence knowledge is bound to reach its final consummation. References about omniscience, in all other literatures5, are after the date of the Yoga-Sūtra. In Jaina literature this argument was first of all advocated by Mallavadi, 6 though the sources concerned are not exactly clear.
1. Prameya-Kamala-Mártanda, p. 254, pp. 260-261; Cf:
Nyāya-Kumuda-Candra, part I, pp. 88-97; PrameyaRatpa-Malā, p. 52; Aşça-Sahasrī, p. 130; Brhat Sarvajña
Siddhi, p. 130. 2. Radhakrishnan, S. : Indian Philosophy, Vol. II, p. 509. 3. Yoga-Sūtra, I. 25. 4. Syadvāda-Mañjari ( Hindi sīkā ), p. 237. 5. Praśastapada's Comments, Vyomavati, p. 108. 6. Nyāya-cakra ( Manuscripts, p. 123 ), quoted in Jñana
Bindu-Prakarapa of Yaśovijaya, p. 44.