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134
Tattvarth Sutra
[5.29
The specific reasons for the existence of the acksush skandha have been stated. Thus, according to that general principle, there are only three reasons for the emergence of the acksush skandha: as summarized, according to Sutra 26, the acksush skandha arises from these three reasons: differentiation, aggregation, and differentiation-aggregation. 28.
Explanation of 'Sat'
That which is composed of the three: production, expenditure, and permanence is 'Sat.' 29. There are differing views regarding the nature of 'Sat' among various philosophies. One philosophy considers the entirety of the Sat substance (Brahman) to be only permanent (eternal). Another philosophy views substances as momentary (only able to be produced and destroyed). A third philosophy recognizes the conscious essence of Sat as only permanent (eternally fixed), while the essence of nature is considered to be permanently changable (eternally transient). A fourth philosophy considers some Sat substances, like atoms, time, and the soul, to be eternally fixed, while substances like pots and pans are viewed as only subject to production and destruction (transient). However, Jain philosophy presents a viewpoint regarding the nature of Sat that differs from these opinions, which is the subject of this sutra.
According to Jain philosophy, what is 'Sat' (substance) cannot be wholly only eternally fixed or only subject to destruction, nor can any part of it be eternally fixed and any part be transient, or any part be eternal and any part be transient. Accordingly, both sentient and insentient, formless and formed, subtle and gross, all Sat substances are triroopa—composed of production, expenditure, and permanence.
Each substance comprises two aspects. One aspect remains eternal across all time, while the other aspect is always transient. The eternal aspect causes each object to be substance-like (stable), while the transient aspect causes the object to be production-expenditure-like (unstable). Viewing only one of these aspects may lead one to perceive the object as either solely stable or solely unstable. However, only by observing both aspects can one understand the complete and true nature of the object.
1. Vedanta-Upanishadic. 2. Buddhist. 3. Sankhya. 4. Nyaya, Vaisheshika.