Gandharavada

SR No.: 006739
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Esther A Solomon
Publisher: Gujarat Vidyasabha
Publication Year: 1966
Total Pages: 400
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

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(1746) If it be thought that the hind and the middle parts do not exist for they are not perceived, then you will come to a fix where you will have to accept the existence of sense-organs and their objects, or give up the reason because it is nonperceived'.
(1747) Even what is non-perceived may be existent; e. g. your cognition of the nature of doubt, etc. If it does not, what is the Void and whose and by whom is it apprehended ? .
(1748) It is not proper for you to have a doubt with respect to Earth, Water, Fire which are perceptible; you may have it with respect to Air and Ether, though that too is not proper, as their is an Inference (to prove their existence).
(1749) Touch, etc produced by some unseen factor must have a substratum since they are qualities, as jar is the substratum of the quality colour. That which is the substratum of these is Air.
(1750) Earth, etc. must have a receptacle (support), as jar is of water, for they are corporeal. ( Vyakta, that which is the support of the elements is, clearly, Ether.
(1751) O Gentle one, accept these (five elements) which are established by the means of valid knowledge -- Perception, etc. They are characterised by the soul and a number of uses as the support, etc. of the body.
(1752) If it is asked as to how they can be said to have a soul (the reply is)- The four up to Air (i.e. Earth, Water, Fire, Air) (have a soul) because (of the cognition) of its mark. The Ether being non-corporeal is merely a support but has not a soul.
(1753) Trees are animate since they have, like women, birth, old age, life, death, healing of a wound, food, longing during pregnancy, and disease, cure, etc.
(1754–5) The Sprsta-prarodikas (shy plant) (are animate) for they contract the moment they are touched, like small insects