Lord Mahavira

SR No.: 034936
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Boolchand
Publisher: Jain Cultural Research Society
Publication Year: 1948
Total Pages: 124
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

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Karmas which obscure the different kind of jñāna are called the knowledge-obscuring (stara 70), those which obscure the different varieties of asta are called the perception-obscuring (asfalatu) karmas. The different kinds of jnana recognised by Jainism are: (1) A TTA which is ordinary cognition obtained by normal means of sense perception. It includes remembrance (Fafa ), recognition (af ), induction based upon observation (as), and deductive reasoning (HR) and it is acquired by means of the senses and mind; (2) ta or testimony, i.e., knowledge derived through signs, symbols, or words; (3) 3tafe which is direct knowledge of things even at a distance of time and space. It is knowledge by clairvoyance, limited by and coextensive with the material object of the knowledge; (4) 49:944 which is direct knowledge of the thoughts of others, a telepath'c knowledge of others' minds; and (5) #95 which is perfect knowledge comprehending all substances and their modifications. The last three categories of knowledge are direct in the sense that they are derived without the medium of senses and mind.
Ei or perception is of four kinds ; perception through visual sensations (Tata), perception through non-visual sensations 372gia), perception through the faculty of Avadhi or clairvoyance (37afecta), and lastly $75 asta perception through Kevala or infinite perception, which is unlimited and apprehends all general reality.
All accounts of Mahavira's life are agreed that he possessed a highly active and clever mind from the very begining. He is mentioned to have possessed from his very childhood the Mati, Sruta and Avadhi jñāna; the Svetambara books say that he was in possession of Abhogika-jnana, which is inferior to the Avadhi knowledge but is essentially of the same class. मन:पर्यय he obtained while renouncing the world and adopting the career of an ascetic. The Kalpa-Sutra refers to his having perceived with his supreme unlimited knowledge and