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1012
TATTVASANGRAHA: CHAPTER xxiv.
This objection is anticipated and answered (by the Mimämsaka) in the following: -
TEXTS (2145-2146).
* THE ENTITY IN THE FORM OF THE LETTER' IS ADMITTED BY BOTH PARTIES ; IT IS ONLY RIGHT THEREFORE THAT 'ETERNALITY AND OTHER CHARACTERS, WHICH ARE ATTRIBUTED TO AN ASSUMED ENTITY, SHOULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO WHAT IS ADMITTED BY BOTH PARTIES. THUS IT FOLLOWS THAT THE ONE
IDEA ARISES OUT OF THE ONE-NESS OF THE LETTER.
AS REGARDS THE IDEAS OF PECULTAR FEATURES,
THAT WOULD BE DUE TO THE DIVERSITY IN THE CHARACTER OF THE MANIFESTING AGENCY.” [Shlokavārtika-Sphota,
18, 23].—2145-2146)
COMMENTARY.
“Why is it that leaving aside the Letter itself, which is admitted by both parties, such characters as 'eternality', 'multiplicity', pervasiveness' and the rest are attributed to an assumed entity, in the shape of the
exolusion of others', as is clear from such assertions as the class and the property thus become determined'? The right thing to do would be to attribute all these to what is admitted by both parties; as otherwise there would be the necessity of assuming much that is never perceived at all.
-Hence it follows that the Recognition of the Letter as one and the same must be due to the one-ness of the Letter itself."
Question If that is so, then how could there be such diverse notions regarding the Letter, as short, medium and loud ?
Anstoer As regards, etc. etc. - Manifesting agency consisting of the conjunctions and disjunctions of Air (proceeding from the throat of the speakor).(2146-2146)
As a matter of fact, Air is never apprehended by the Ear; conjunctions and disjunctions also of the Air must be inapprehensible by the Ear; under the circumstances, unless the manifesting agency is apprehended, how can the manifested (property) be apprehended ? For example, until the Light is seen, there is no perception of the Jar illumined by it.
With the above idea in his mind, the Opponent of the Mimämaaka urges the following objection: