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126
Tattvarthasutra
[5. 21-22]
The mental processes that are the grounds for the analysis of the qualities and faults of substances, memory, and other activities directed towards the self are known as dravyamana (substantial mind). Similarly, the outgoing breath (prana) expelled from the body by the soul and the incoming breath (apana) that is brought into the body are both pudgala (material) and are beneficial to the soul as they provide life.
In the case of language, mind, prana, and apana, we see interference and dominance. Therefore, they are indeed pudgala like the body.
The pleasurable outcome of the soul is happiness, which arises from the inner causes in the form of auspicious karma and from external causes such as substances and fields. Suffering is nothing but anguish, which arises from the inner causes in the form of inauspicious karma and from external instruments like those in nature.
With the rise of ayu karma, the continuous operation of prana and apana in embodied beings is life, while the cessation of prana and apana is death. All these states of happiness and suffering in living beings arise solely through pudgala. Hence, they are considered to provide material benefits to the living beings. 19-20.
Characteristics of Life through Action
Parasparopagraho jīvānām. 21. Being a means (helper) in the actions of others is the benefit conferred by living beings.
To help mutually is the action of living beings. This verse directs towards that. One being benefits another through the instructions of good and bad advice. The master benefits the servant with money, and the servant benefits the master by either discussing good or bad things or through service. The acharya (teacher) benefits the disciple by imparting the knowledge of good deeds, and the disciple benefits the acharya through supportive behavior. 21.
Characteristics of Time through Action
Vartanā pariṇāmaḥ kriyā paratvāparatve ca kālasya. 22. Vartanā (continuity), pariṇāma (result), kriyā (activity), and paratvā-aparatva (superiority-inferiority) are the benefits of time.
Considering time as an independent substance, its benefits have been delineated here. In the emergence of their respective states, the self-propelling function of the dharma (law) and such substances serve as the instrumental cause.