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40
Tattvarthasutra
[1.34-35]
Response
Due to the variety of distinctions related to the nature of the person, time, and place in Nayagamanaya, there are numerous traditional beliefs and the habits that arise from them. Hence, the resulting Nayagamanaya is also varied, and different examples can be found for it, just as other examples can also be created.
When someone who is going for a particular task is asked, "Where are you going?" they may respond, "I am going to get an axe or a pen."
In reality, the person is going to fetch wood for the handle of the axe or ink for the pen, but the questioner immediately understands their intention. This is a traditional belief.
When a person who has renounced social class and become a monk is introduced by their previous Brahmin caste, the assertion that "this Brahmin is a Shramana" is promptly accepted. Similarly, people celebrate the birthdays of historical figures like Ram and Mahavira on the Chaitra Shukla Navami and Trayodashi, dating back thousands of years. This too is a traditional belief.
When a group of people begins to fight, others may refer to them collectively as "Hindustan is fighting" or "China is fighting," understanding the intent behind such statements.
The thoughts engendered by the habits formed through these traditional beliefs are all categorized under the first level called Nayagamanaya.
Sangrahana is the perspective that, regardless of various individuals who possess both sentient and non-sentient characteristics, one should focus on the common element they share, disregarding the peculiarities. This leads to the belief that the entire world has a singular nature because there is no object that lacks existence; this is Sangrahana. Similarly, when considering the various types of clothing and fabrics, focusing solely on the universal aspect of clothing while ignoring its specific varieties is also Sangrahana.
According to the general principle, many examples of Sangrahana can be created concerning the gradation of that common element. The more expansive the common element, the broader the Sangrahana will be; conversely, the smaller the common element, the more concise the Sangrahana will be. In summary, any thought that arises from the general principle leading to the unification of diverse objects falls under the category of Sangrahana.