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The First Karma Granth
Knowledge never departs from the Jiva-Atma, even in the state of deep sleep, because it is the nature of the Jiva. Therefore, Shruta-Jnana is itself cognitive and because knowledge is the nature of the Jiva, Shruta-Jnana is itself Akshara. There are three types of Akshara: (1) Sanjna-Akshara, (2) Vyanjana-Akshara, and (3) Labdha-Akshara.
Sanjna-Akshara - The form, structure, and arrangement by which it is known that this is a particular Akshara is called Sanjna-Akshara. The letters of the various scripts of the world are examples of this. They convey the knowledge of those letters through their form. For example, A, Aa, I, Ee, U, etc.
Vyanjana-Akshara - The type of pronunciation that clearly conveys the meaning of the Akshara, such as A, is called Vyanjana-Akshara. In other words, Vyanjana-Akshara is simply the name of the pronunciation of the Akshara. Vyanjana-Akshara is only used in speaking.
Labdha-Akshara - To contemplate the meaning of a word by hearing it or seeing its form is called Labdha-Akshara.
Sanjna-Akshara and Vyanjana-Akshara produce Bhava-Bhuta. Therefore, both of them are called Dravya-Shruta, because the pronunciation of the Akshara conveys its meaning and it produces Bhava-Shruta.
1. Balarasaya Tivid Panate, Nan Jaha-Mannavasara, Banjanavaksharam, Ladhi Akkharam.
- Nandi Sutra 38
2. Rannakharam Aksarassa Santhanagii.
- Nandi Sutra 38
3. Banjanakavara Aksasa Vyanjanabhilayo.
- Nandi Sutra 38
4. Laddhaakharam - Akkharalashivassa Nadimaakharam Samuppajji. . . Nandousutra 38