Questions of King Milinda Part 02

SR No.: 007682
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1894
Total Pages: 2240
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 38 MB

Page 1117

104
VEDÂNTA-SÓTRAS.
(without the organs) begins to function in a new body, and that as the body itself, so new sense-organs also are produced in the new abode of fruition; or the opinion (of the Vaiseshikas) that the mind only proceeds to the new abode of fruition; or the opinion (of the Digambara Gainas) that the individual soul only flying away from the old body alights in the new one as a parrot flies from one tree to another.- But—an objection will be raised - from the quoted question and answer it follows that the soul goes enveloped by water only, according to the meaning of the word made use of by scripture, viz. water. How then can the general statement be maintained that the soul goes enveloped by subtle parts of all elements ?—To this doubt the next Satra replies.
2. But on account of (water) consisting of three (elements) (the soul is enveloped not by water merely; the latter alone is, however, mentioned) on account of preponderance.
The word 'but' disposes of the objection raised.—Water consists of three elements, as we know from the scriptural statement regarding tripartition. If, therefore, water is admitted to originate (the new body) the other two elements also have necessarily to be admitted (as taking part in the origination). The body moreover consists of three elements, as the effects of the three, i.e. fire, water, and earth, are observed in it, and further as it contains three materials, viz. wind, bile, and phlegm S. Being such it cannot originate from mere water, the other elements being left aside. Hence the term water made use of in the scriptural question and answer refers to the fact of water preponderating,
1 âimâ khalv âlayagñânasamtânas tasya vrittayah sabdâdigñânâni tallábhah sarîrântare bhavati, kevalasabdas tu karanasahityam âtmano vậrayati. Go. Ân.
Kevalam karanair atmana ka rahitam iti yâvat, karanani natanany eva tatrârabhyante âtmâ tu vibhutvad akriyospi tatra vrittimatram apnoti. Ân. Gi.
The last of which only is of prevailingly watery character.
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