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## Verse 161
## Kayamarg/265
**Special Meaning:** This verse explains the characteristics of **ordinary plants** (**sādhāraṇa vanaspati**), which are considered **ordinary beings** (**sādhāraṇa jīva**) in Jainism. The verse uses the term **"jahirūk"** as an example, which refers to plants like **"manjiṭh"** (madder) and others.
**Explanation:**
* **Gūḍhasira:** Plants with **hidden veins** (**gūḍhasira**), meaning the veins are not visible on the surface. Examples include cucumber, gourd, and pumpkin, where the veins are not visible in the early stages of growth.
* **Gūḍhasandhi:** Plants with **hidden joints** (**gūḍhasandhi**), meaning the joints are not visible or are not clearly defined. Examples include oranges, pomegranates, and other fruits where the joints are not visible in the early stages of growth.
* **Gūḍhaparva:** Plants with **hidden nodes** (**gūḍhaparva**), meaning the nodes are not visible or are not clearly defined. Examples include sugarcane and bamboo, where the nodes are not visible in the early stages of growth.
**Ordinary Plants:** Plants that exhibit all three characteristics (**gūḍhasira**, **gūḍhasandhi**, and **gūḍhaparva**) in their early stages of growth are considered **ordinary plants**.
**Ordinary Beings:** Ordinary plants are considered **ordinary beings** because they have a **single body** (**nigoda śarīra**) and are **dependent** (**āśraya**) on other beings for their existence.
**Other Characteristics of Ordinary Plants:**
* **Samabhanga:** Plants that break into **similar pieces** (**samabhanga**) when cut, like chalk.
* **Chinnarūha:** Plants that **regrow** (**chinnarūha**) after being cut, like creepers.
**Non-Ordinary Plants:** Plants that do not exhibit the characteristics of **gūḍhasira**, **gūḍhasandhi**, **gūḍhaparva**, **samabhanga**, or **chinnarūha** are considered **non-ordinary plants**. Examples include coconut, tamarind, palm fruit, and mango.
**Verse Meaning:**
**Ordinary beings** (**sādhāraṇa jīva**) are those who have a **single body** (**nigoda śarīra**) and are born from the **ordinary karma** (**sādhāraṇa karma**). These beings are of two types: **bādar** (gross) and **sūkṣma** (subtle).
**Special Meaning:**
**Ordinary plants** are born from the **ordinary karma** (**sādhāraṇa karma**) which arises from the **stationary karma** (**sthāvara karma**). These plants have a **single body** (**nigoda śarīra**).
**Question:** What is a **single body** (**nigoda śarīra**)?
**Answer:** A **single body** (**nigoda śarīra**) is a body that is **shared by many souls** (**jīva**) and is not **differentiated** (**bhinna**) into individual bodies.
**Reference:** Dhvala Purva, 1, page 266.