Jaina Epistemology

SR No.: 006738
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 516
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

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Epistemology of Jainas
Vācaspati
Vijñānabhikṣu 1. Knowledge : Purusa reflected into Vrtti reflected into (pramā) Vịtti or vștti with the Purusa
reflection of Purusa 2. The source Vștti
Vștti of knowledge
(pramāna) 3. Cognizer Buddhi
Purusa (pramatā)
We have ylready discussed the Jaina criticism of these views. The Advaita Vedānta : Brahman or Pure Consciousness
According to the Vedānta the soul is not only a substratum of all psychic phenomena; but, also the ultimate cause of the physical world. It is known as Brahman or pure consciousness. It is the light of all lights, foundation of all cognitions and the only ultimate reality. The external world of phenomenal appe. arance springs forth from it.? The Vedānta distinguishes pure consciousness from empirical cognitions by holding the former as absolutely real, while the latter as illusions, which are indescribable in the terms of existence (sat) or non-existent (asat),2 Comparis n with the Sānkhya
According to the Sārkhya all varieties of empirical consciousness pertain to a reality separate from Purusa, who is a mere spectator. According to the Vedānta, Brahman is the only reality. There is no parallel reality having separate existence. The ideations and concepts, known as the cognitions of the external world, are illusory forms (vivartas) of Brahman. Though the Vedānta also admits Māyā, just as the Praksti of Sānkhya; which is the material cause of the world; yet, it is 1. Mundaka 1.1. 6- ; Vedāntasāra 19-21 2. Vedāntasāra 6.