________________
SIX SUBSTANCES PARTI - LIVING BEINGS (JIV)
The following are four sub-categories of the Panchendriya Jiv.
Näraki (Infernal) Tiryancha (Animals) Dev (Celestial) Manushya
Among the five sensed beings some have minds and some do not. Those having a capacity of rational thinking are called Sanjni Panchendriya and those without it are called Asanjni Panchendriya.
Summary:
Among all of these Jiv the worldliest happiness is found in celestial beings, while the worldliest suffering is found in infernal beings. Neither celestial nor infernal beings can take any vows. They cannot attain salvation during that life. Animals possess limited restraint only and, therefore, they also cannot attain salvation directly. The human state of existence is the most preferable to attain salvation, because during that life one can use logic to the fullest extent, can perform austerities, and can live with restraint. Thus, only through the human phase can a Jiv attain salvation or Moksha.
Paryäpti and Präna:
All Jivs have special attributes related to the body such as Paryäpti (power) and Präna (vitality). The inert substance or Ajiv does not possess any such quality. Following is the discussion relating to Paryäpti and Präna.
Jiv living in hell,
Elephants, lions, birds, fish, etc., Heavenly beings,
Human beings.
Paryapti (Bio-potential Power):
Paryäpti means a special power through which the Jiv takes in matter (Pudgals) like food and converts it into different kinds of energy. There are six kinds of Paryäptis:
01 Food
72
02 Body
03 Senses
04 Respiration
05 Speech
06 Mind
When the life of a Jiv is over, the soul along with Tejas (fiery body) and Kärman (karmic) bodies leaves the current body and acquires a new body. As soon as a Jiv is conceived, the first thing it does is consume food. The Jiv, with the help of Tejas body, digests the food. After this, the Jiv gradually attains the power of acquiring a physical body and the power of senses. The activities of consuming food, developing a body, and forming and strengthening sense organs go on continuously. The body is formed in duration called the Antarmuhurta (within 48 minutes). Next, the Jiv, receives the power of respiration, and eventually the powers of speech and mind.
Jain Education International
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org