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5. 21-22]
The Characterization of Time by Action
Encouragement through action is referred to as vritti. The non-modification of substance that occurs without the abandonment of one's own kin is the resultant state of the intermediate transformation that leads to the cessation from the previous state and the emergence of the subsequent state. Such a result manifests as knowledge, anger, etc., in living beings; in matter, it takes the form of blue and yellow coloration; and in other remaining substances like dharmastikaya, it results in the loss or gain of the property of agurulaghutva. Movement (parispand) is indeed action. Superiority is precedence, and inferiority is the opposite of precedence. Although actions like vritti, etc., are, as far as possible, attributed to dharmastikaya and other substances, since time serves as a necessary cause, their description here is provided as a benefit of time.
1. The term 'agurulaghutva' is used in Jain tradition with different meanings in different contexts:
(a) Among the eight qualities associated with the eight karmas, one is the self-quality known as agurulaghutva, which is associated with the gotrakarma. The function of gotrakarma is to impose a higher or lower status in life. In worldly interactions, living beings are treated in a high or low manner based on birth, caste, country, appearance, and many other factors. However, all souls are equal, and there is no inherent distinction among them. The inherent quality or power that maintains this equality of potential and capability is referred to as agurulaghutva.
(b) Agurulaghutva is also one of the distinctions of name-karmas. Its function is discussed further in relation to name-karmas.
(c) The explanation provided regarding 'a' in the sequence pertains only to the self-nature of agurulaghutva, while the present agurulaghutva quality applies to all substances, both living and non-living. If a substance is capable of transformation, then at any time, why can it not achieve a result other than its own form? Similarly, it raises the question of why different powers (qualities) inherent in a substance always produce their respective results and do not allow one quality to produce the result of another quality outside its intended nature? Furthermore, why do the various accepted powers in a single substance not leave their designated companionship and scatter? The answers to these three questions are provided through the quality of agurulaghutva. This quality governs all substances uniformly, such that no substance changes its essence, no quality performs actions that cause a transformation of its own type, and the predetermined companions do not separate from one another.
In addition to these clear foundations, I have also considered the ultimate explanation of the quality of agurulaghutva. I was seeking its resolution. Whenever someone asked me, I would explain this interpretation. However, the curiosity for obtaining a resolution remained. While writing this commentary, I suddenly came across the book "Jain Siddhanta Praveshika" by the late Pandit Gopal Dasji Baraiya. In it, Shriyut Baraiyaji expresses the same thought. Therefore, it can be said that my interpretation has gained some support in this respect.