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 390

Indirect Knowledge
365 Kevalajñāna (Omniscience) The fifth type of cognition is known as kevalajñāna. It is attained when the obscuring karmic veil is totally removed. It knows all the objects in their entirety with all qualities and modes. It is the stage of omniscience, the perfect knowledge. The Meaning of Kerala
In Sankhya-system the term kevala is applied to Purusa dissociated from Praksti. Kaivalya is the state of liberation free from the bondage of world; where all the three types of pain are totally removed. Where the three guņas of praksti revert to their original source, i. e. praksti and leave purusa in its purity. According to the yoga-system kaivalya means the state of equilibrium where the mind is free from wandering. The Vedānta holds Kaivalya as unity with Absolute Brahman. According to the above-mentioned systems kaivalya has nothing to do with omoiscience; which is an independent supernatural power. They do not regard omniscience as an essential pre-requisite of salvation, An aspirant may or may not reach the stage of omniscience, before attaining the final goal.
In the Buddhist literatures the term kevala has been used in two senses. It means oneness as well as perfectness. Kevalin is described as one who is perfect or fully accomplished. Suttanipāta Atthakathā relates kevalins as having all the virtues (savvaguna), fully accomplished (paripuņņa ) all-powerful (savvayoga) and free from worldly dispositions (visamyutta). It is an epithet of Arhat or Buddha often accompanied by Mahesi. But, in Buddhist literature also the term 'kevalin" does not express a man with knowledge of all the objects, past, present and the future.
1. Sãokhyakārikā 17 2. Yogasūtra IV. 34 3. Samyuttanikāya A. 153