Tattvartha Sutra

SR No.: 006796
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi, K K Dixit
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 596
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Tattvartha Sutra, & Tattvarth
File Size: 10 MB

Page 268

CHAPTER TWO
Answer No. A bhāva type of cognitive organ taken alone is not in a position to perform its appropriate function; for that it requires the help of the corresponding dravya type of cognitive organ. That is why even if in possession of all the cognitive organs of the bhāva type of insects, the ants, etc. are not in a position to see or to hear-for they possess no cognitive organs of the dravya type in the form of eyes and ears. However, on account of the efficiency of whatever cognitive organs of the dravya type they happen to possess they do manage to conduct their specific course of life.
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The eight species of beings-viz. from the earth-bodied ones upto those possessed of four cognitive organs-are not at all possessed of manas; but even in the case of those possessed of five cognitive organs not all are possessed of it. Thus there are four sub-species of those possessed of five cognitive organs-viz. the heavenly beings, the hellish beings, the human beings, the animals. Of these, the first two sub-species are such that all their members are possessed of manas; but in the case of the last two only those members are possessed of it who are born of a womb. That is to say, the human beings and the animals are, each, of two sub-types-viz. those born of a womb and those born as a result of an agglutination of matter. Of these, the human beings and animals born as a result of an agglutination of matter are devoid of manas. To sum up the matter, among the beings possessed of five cognitive organs all the heavenly beings, all the hellish beings, those human beings and animals that are born of a womb these alone are possessed of manas.
Question: This particular species is possessed of manas and that one is not, how to recognize that?
Answer: The recognition takes place on the basis of the existence or otherwise of samjñā.
Question: Now samjñā means behaviour and behaviour of a more or less advanced type is exhibited by all beings whatsoever. For the insect, the ants, etc. too exhibit behaviour that is impelled by a need for nourishment, fear and the like.