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## 12] [Jiva-Jivaabhigamsutra]
These sutras generally contain questions and answers. The original text does not mention any specific questioner like Gautama, nor does it address Gautama or anyone else in the answers. This implies that most of the sutra literature was composed as questions asked by the Ganadharas and answers given by Lord Vardhaman Swami. A small portion is composed of questions asked by other inquisitive individuals and answered by the Sthaviras.
The entire Shruta literature is not just questions asked by the Ganadharas and answered by the Lord. This particular sutra is also a general one, asked by other inquisitive individuals and answered by the Sthaviras. The first question asks about the nature of Jiva-Jivaabhigam. The answer explains its nature by describing its different aspects.
Jiva-Jivaabhigam is of two types: Jivaabhigam and Ajivabhigam. Abhigam means understanding, comprehension, or knowledge. Knowledge of the Jiva-dravya is Jivaabhigam, and knowledge of the Ajiv-dravya is Ajivabhigam.
There are essentially two fundamental principles in this universe: the Jiva principle and the Ajiv principle. Everything else is an expansion of these two principles. To emphasize that these two fundamental principles are of equal strength in terms of dravya, the letter 'ch' is used in both terms.
Jiva and Ajiv are both distinct in nature and have independent existence. The correct understanding of the difference between the Jiva and Ajiv principles is the main subject of spiritual science. Therefore, the scriptures discuss the nature of Jiva and Ajiv in detail.
The knowledge of the difference between Jiva and Ajiv leads to Samyagdarshan, and then Samyagjnana and Samyakcharitra lead to liberation. Therefore, Jivaabhigam and Ajivabhigam are traditionally considered the cause of liberation.
The sutrakar first mentions Jivaabhigam and then Ajivabhigam. According to the principle of 'Yathouddeshastatha nirdhesh:' one should give instructions according to the purpose. Therefore, questions and answers regarding Jivaabhigam should have been discussed first, but instead, questions and answers regarding Ajivabhigam were discussed first.
The reason for this is that there is much to be said about Jivaabhigam, while there is less to be said about Ajivabhigam. Therefore, according to the principle of 'Soochikataah,' questions and answers regarding Ajivabhigam are discussed first.
Ajivabhigam is of two types: 1. Roopi-Ajivabhigam and 2. Aroopi-Ajivabhigam. Generally, anything that has form is called Roopi. However, here, Roopi refers to form, taste, smell, touch, and all four.
By implication, taste, etc., are also included along with form, as these four cannot exist without each other. Every atom possesses form, taste, smell, and touch. This refutes the idea that atoms of form are separate and atoms of taste, etc., are entirely separate.
Considering atoms of form, taste, etc., as entirely separate is contradicted by direct experience. We see that atoms of form like ornaments also possess touch simultaneously, and atoms of taste like ghee also possess form and smell. Atoms of smell like camphor also continuously possess form. Therefore, form, taste, smell, and touch are inseparable.
Those with form, taste, smell, and touch are Roopi Ajiv, and those without form, taste, smell, and touch are Aroopi Ajiv.
1. **"Karanamaev tadantyam sookshmo nityashcha bhavati paramanu: / Ekarasagandhavom dwisparsha: karya-lingashcha //"**