________________
Soul Science : Samayasāra by Jain Ācārya Kundakunda
139
Answer: No. In Ātmakhyāti Ācārya Amộtacandra has written 23
stanzas (Kalaśa) between Gāthā 142 and 143. Out of these, 20 stanzas narrate different kinds of contradictions. For example, Kalasa 74 points out the contradiction regarding 'doer' and 'non-doer' characteristics. Kalasa 83 presents the contradiction regarding 'eternal and non-eternal', etc.
While elaborating Gāthā 142, in Kalasa 69, Ācārya Amstacandra has indicated that the bliss is not possible without transcending all such contradictions given by different points of view. For the realization of the Self and bliss it is essential that one is free from all kinds of Vikalpa (refllective thought, contemplation, or exploration). Question: One is required to set aside both points of view. Does
it mean that the description provided by each point of view
is not valuable? Answer: It is essential to have an understanding of both points
of view. A person who is ignorant about any (relative or real) point of view would not be able to transcend these points of view..
One should not think that we are to transcend these points of view, therefore, an accurate understanding of any point of view is not essential. Without a true understanding of both the points of view, one would not be able to transcend these points of view. For transcending to reach the stage of realization of the truth, it is essential that one first understands each point of view accurately. A good understanding of different points of view reduces the contradictions. At deeper level, if there are contradictions, then one would not be able to transcend these points of view.
There is a large difference between the description (experience) before and after transcending both points of view. Ācārya says that the description or experience which comes after transcending both points of view is Samayasāra.
In the next Gāthā, we would see that Ācārya does not ignore the importance of descriptions given by different points of view.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org