________________
minant of taste. To illustrate, the sensation of bitterness (tikta) as produced by quinine and the sensation of sweetness (madhura) as produced by sugar, are very definite and specific sensations. The Jain sages have, therefore, classified the gustatory qualities of bodies (Rasas) into five as in the following
57. (i) Katu rasa karma-is the set of
action currents which make the body give hot or pungent sensation (katu) as in the case of pepper.
58. (ii) Tiktu rasa karma-is the set of action-currents which make the body
awaken the sensation of bitterness (tikta) as in the case of quinine.
59. (iii) Amla rasa karma-is the set of action-currents which determines the quality of sourness (amla) in bodies as in the case of acids (amla).
60. (iv) Madhura rasa karma-is the set of action-currents which determines the sweetness (madhura) of bodies as in the case of sugar.
61. (v) Kashaya rasa karma-is the set
of action-currents which determines
444
