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The knowledge found simultaneously in one soul
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In one soul, there can be one knowledge, in another two, in another three, and in another four, but all five kinds of knowledge cannot coexist in any soul. When there is one kind of knowledge, only kevalajñāna (perfect knowledge) exists because no other imperfect knowledge is possible when one is complete. When there are two kinds of knowledge, it is mati (intellectual knowledge) and śruta (scriptural knowledge), as these are the only two definite coexisting kinds of knowledge among the five. The remaining three kinds of knowledge can exist independently of each other. When there are three kinds of knowledge, it can be mati, śruta, and avadhijñāna (clairvoyance) or mati, śruta, and manahparyāyajñāna (knowledge of the thoughts of others). Three kinds of knowledge can only exist in an imperfect state, and whether it is avadhijñāna or manahparyāyajñāna, the other two, mati and śruta, must be present. When there are four kinds of knowledge, they are mati, śruta, avadhi, and manahparyāya, as these four kinds can coexist due to their imperfect state. Kevalajñāna does not coexist with any other knowledge because it is in a complete state, whereas all other kinds of knowledge are in an imperfect state. Since the states of completeness and incompleteness are mutually exclusive, they cannot coexist in the same soul. It is said that two, three, or four kinds of knowledge can coexist in terms of power, but not in terms of activity.
Question - Please explain this properly.
Answer - Just as a soul with two kinds of knowledge (mati and śruta) or three kinds (including avadhi) cannot use both powers when it is engaged with one kind, it cannot use the powers of the other kinds while focusing on one. Similarly, the same applies to manahparyāya. The essence is that even when a soul possesses a maximum of four knowledge powers, only one power functions at any one time, while the others remain inactive. At the time of kevalajñāna, the four kinds of knowledge (mati, etc.) are absent. Although this principle is generally understood, its explanation is presented in two ways. Some teachers say that even at the time of kevalajñāna, the four knowledge powers exist but, overwhelmed by the predominance of kevalajñāna, like celestial bodies obscured by sunlight, they are unable to perform their respective knowledge functions. Therefore, although these powers exist, during the time of kevalajñāna, the knowledge forms such as mati do not manifest.