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

Page 334

Indirect Knowledge
309
given an elaborate descripion of them on the basis of Niryukti. Akalaska also has mentioned them but his explanation is quite different.
The Nandy refers to following fourteen categories : 1. Aksara śruta
2. Anaksaraśruta 3. Samjñıśruta
4. Asamjñiśruta 5. Samyak śruta
6. Mithyāśruta 7. Sādi śruta
8. Anādi śruta 9. Saparyavasita
10. Aparyavasita 11. Gamika
12. Agamika 13. Angapravişta
14. Anangapravista
Akşara śruta and Anaksaraśrutal
Aksara means the symbols that express some idea. They are called Aksara, becauase, they are not destroyed even at the destruction of object. They are imperishable. The Jainas do not admit eternity of letters in the form of sound as the school of grammarians holds. The imperishability means that they last for even, as far as their knowledge is concerned. That knowledge also exists not in the form of attention; but, in the form of faculty or power (labdhi).
The aksara is divided into vowels and consonants. The vowel is known as svara meaning that which sounds. The consonant is known as vyañjana, that which expresses. It is generally consonant that are responsible for the expression of different meanings; while the vowels are mere sounds. Articulate sound expressing definite meaning is Aksaraśruta.
Inarticulate sounds with definite expressions are Apaksaraśruta. Long and deep breathing expresses the state of grief, spitting expresses hatred. Similarly, coughing, nasal and such other sounds express a definite meaning. They are included into Anaksara śruta. One can say that the motions of body also express some meaning. The different kinds of hand-movements denote refusal, calling, threat etc. They also should be included into Anakṣara śruta. Jinabhadra holds that the pre1. Višeşāvaśyakabhāşya G. 454-503