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Tattvarthasutra
[8. 6-14]
Countless effects are experienced. In reality, the natures that produce these effects are also countless. Yet, by summarizing them, they have been categorized into eight parts. This is known as the bondage of impure nature. The names of these eight fundamental distinctions of nature are specified here. They are: knowledge obscuration, perception obscuration, feeling, delusion, lifespan, name, kinship, and obstacles.
1. Knowledge obscuration, by which knowledge (special cognition) is covered.
2. Perception obscuration, by which perception (general cognition) is covered.
3. Feeling, through which pleasure or suffering is experienced.
4. Delusion, through which the soul attains delusion.
5. Lifespan, through which the cycle of existence is retained.
6. Name, through which a specific type, species, etc., is obtained.
7. Kinship, through which elevation or degradation is experienced.
8. Obstacles, through which hindrances arise in giving and receiving alms and in enjoying.
The various natures of karma are summarized into eight parts. However, for those curious about a more detailed understanding, a further description of these eight has been provided, known as the distinctions of higher nature, which is famously recognized. There are 97 such distinctions of higher nature. They are explained following the order of the fundamental natures.
5. The number and specification of the distinctions of higher nature: thirty-two, fifty-eight, twenty-four, forty-eight, and five, in order.
6. The names, such as those of sensory and non-sensory beings.
7. Those related to sleep, consciousness, activities, and states of being.
8. The distinctions of existence and non-existence.
9. The characteristics of perception, conduct, delusion, passions and non-passions, feelings, known as the 16 divisions of the nature of existence and non-existence, both in terms of passion and non-passion, the endless connection of conceit, rejection, the covering of knowledge, the blaze of choice, and each of anger, pride, deceit, greed, joy, attachment, sorrow, fear, and aversion, relevant to beings of either gender.
10. Those of hellish, celestial, gendered, non-gendered beings.
11. The classifications according to movement, species, body, limbs, construction, bondage, gathering, establishment, dispersal, touch, taste, smell, color, combinations, the distinctions among gross and subtle forms, movements of heavy and light substances, outer impact, tolerances, and the inhalation and exhalation of activities: all bodies are beautiful, melodious, auspicious, subtle, sufficient, stable, precious, and renowned creations of the Tirthankara.
12. Higher and lower.
13. In terms of giving and receiving.
14.