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Epistemology of Jainas
The Jainism does not admit the first type. It holds that every knowledge must have something as its object. In the case of self-lumination also self appears as the object. The knowledge of Isvara can be compared with that of a Kevalin, when the Avarana is removed completely. The only difference is this, that the Vedantic Iśvara cognizes the objects which are his own projection; while according to Jainism they exist independent of the kevalin. In the case of JIva the two systems hold different processes. According to Vedantavṛtti, which is a mode of Antaḥkaraṇa, removes avarana from the object and thus, manifests it temporarily. According to Jainism Vṛtti is not required. The Avarana is removed by the presence of certain external and internal factors and the object is illumined.
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Kundakunda incorporates the first two types of consciousness by resorting to two stand-points (nayas). According to the discursive stand-point, he says, a kevalin knows and sees all the objects; but, from the real stand-point the omniscient perceives and knows his self only. But, these stand-points do not contradict each other. They are only different ways of expression. Every knowledge according to Jainism, illumines the object as well as itself. The knowledge of kevalin is not an exception. But unlike Nyaya, the object does not enter into the class of causation. The knowledge is an illumination. It is a natural phenomenon, occuring by itself, irrespective of the object. When a lamp is lighted it spreads the light without any dependence on the object. It will illumine the jar if the latter exists in its proximity, otherwise not. But, the absence of the illumination of jar does not make any difference in the function of the lamp. Similarly, the soul begins to cognize the object and itself as soon as the obscurance is removed. The object, if comes in the arena, is presented to the soul, otherwise not. It has nothing to do with the function of the soul. This is why the real standpoint leaves the object altogether. On the other
I. Niyamasara Gāthā 158
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| SR No. | 006738 |
| Book Title | Jaina Epistemology |
| 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 |