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Tattvartha Sutra
[1.20]
Question - It has been said that the twelve distinctions of the meaning (arthāva-graha) mentioned, such as many and few, are practical distinctions, not ultimate ones. The question arises that if this is accepted, then how can there be 336 distinctions of matijñāna (knowledge obtained through intellect) in the same manner? Because, according to the twelve distinctions of the twenty-eight types of matijñāna, there are 336 distinctions, and among the twenty-eight types, four vyanjanāva-grahas (meaning derived from indications) also come, which, being prior to the ultimate meaning, are extremely implicit. Therefore, the twelve distinctions of these four should be separated, totaling 48!
Answer - In the case of arthaavagraha, the twelve distinctions can indeed be clearly defined in practical terms, hence this response is given from a coarse perspective. In reality, twelve distinctions of both the ultimate meaning (naitsyayic arthaavagraha) and the preceding vyanjanāva-graha should also be understood. Based on the principle of equality of cause and effect, the cause of practical arthaavagraha is the ultimate arthaavagraha, and its cause is vyanjanāva-graha. Now, if in practical arthaavagraha, the specific features such as many, few, etc. are clearly manifested, then one must also accept the manifestation of such features in the direct cause, the ultimate arthaavagraha, and the operative cause, vyanjanāva-graha, even though they are implicit and therefore difficult to grasp. Whether implicit or explicit, here only possibilities should be counted concerning the aforementioned twelve distinctions. 18-19. Nature of hearing knowledge and its distinctions
24
Hearing knowledge (śruta) precedes intellect (mati) and has many, twelve distinctions.
20.
Hearing knowledge is based on intellect. It is of two kinds, many types, and twelve types.
Matijñāna is the cause, and śrutajñāna is the effect because śrutajñāna arises from matijñāna. Therefore, it is said to be ahead of intellect. To acquire the śrutajñāna of any subject, matijñāna is essential beforehand. Hence, matijñāna is said to serve and complete śrutajñāna. Matijñāna is the cause of śrutajñāna, but it is the external cause; the internal cause is the destruction of the covering of śrutajñāna (śrutajñānāvaraṇa). Because even if there is matijñāna of a subject, if there is no destruction of covering, then the śrutajñāna of that subject cannot occur.
Question - Just as the help of the senses and mind is required in the origin of matijñāna, why is it different in śrutajñāna? Unless the distinctions between them are clearly understood, the statement 'śrutajñāna is based on intellect' holds no special meaning. The cause of matijñāna is the destruction of the karmic covering of matijñāna, and śrutajñāna...