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Nandi Sootra
Question - What is this Sanjna akshar? Answer - The shape or structure of akshar (letter) is sanjnaakshar. Question - What is this Vyanjana akshar? Answer - That which is pronounced vocally is vyanjanaakshar. Question - What is this Labdhi akshar?
Answer - A being with the akshar labdhi (vocal power) iscapable of acquiring the knowledge called labdhi akshar. For example Shrotrendriya labdhi akshar, Chaksu-rindriya labdhiakshar, Ghranendriya labdhi akshar, Jihvendriya labdhiakshar, Sparshanendriya labdhi akshar, and No-indriya labdhiakshar.
COMMENTARY -That which does not decay or deplete is called akshar. Jnana is the eternal and inherent activity of a being. When the existence of jnana comes to an end, the being ceases to exist. As it is the non-decaying attribute of a soul, jnana is also known as akshar. In other words it is a synonym of jnana. The form it takes for expressing thoughts is also known as akshar (a letter or an alphabet). The three categories of akshar shrut have been made on this basis only.
Sanjna akshar - That which is given the name (sanjna) of akshar is called sanjna akshar. In other words the particular shape or form with which a particular letter or sound is recognized is called sanjna akshar. This includes various characters, or alphabets, or symbols with which various sounds are recognized. For example a, b, c, d, e, f, etc.
Vyanjana akshar - The meaningful acoustic expression of akshar is vyanjana akshar. When we pronounce an akshar or a group of akshars, words and sentences are formed. The organized form of these words and sentences express our thoughts. This expression can be compiled in various forms like article, play, poetry, book etc. In brief, scripts are sanjna akshar and books are vyanjana akshar.
Labdhi akshar - The thought form of akshar is labdhi akshar. After hearing a sound or seeing a form, to experience and understand its meaning is known as thought form or jnana form of akshar. In other words, after hearing a word or a sound, the knowledge produced with the help of sense organs and mind through the process of analysis is called labdhz akshar.
Broadly looking it appears that labdhi akshar is confined to sentient beings only. But in fact, it is not that thoughts and feelings are absent where sense organs are absent. Under developed or non-sentient beings also undergo kshayopasham. Therefore they also acquire bhava shrut although it is inexpressible. Such beings also have feelings like hunger, fear, sex, fondness, attachment, etc. A feeling or desire, even if it is inexpressible is related to words. Therefore it is believed that such beings also have labdhi akshar. This is of six types
Shrotrendriya labdhi akshar - to grasp the meaning or purpose through word, language, sound and variations in its intensity.
Chaksurindriya labdhi akshar - to grasp the meaning or purpose by reading a text and seeing signs, expressions and gestures.
Ghranendriya labdhi akshar - to grasp the meaning or purpose by smell and its variations.
Jihvendriya labdhi akshar - to grasp the meaning or purpose by taste and its variations.
Sparshanendriya labdhi akshar - to grasp the meaning or purpose smell and its variations.
Aagam-44 -Nandi Sootra
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Compiled by- Deepratnasagar
