Anandrushi Abhinandan Granth

Author(s): Vijaymuni Shastri, Devendramuni
Publisher: Maharashtra Sthanakwasi Jain Sangh Puna

Page 768

Prof. M. S. Ranadive
D9UI
The Jaina Idea of Universe
Virk
tras
In metaphysics, man through different ages and stages of philosophy has observed the self and the non-self. He has always tried to give importance to the one or the other, or to strike a sort of compromise between the two. He has formulated either one substance, like the Brhma of the Vedāntist, or the matter of the materialist, or many substances of the Sānkhya. Jainism takes its stand upon a common-sense basis, which can be varified by every one for himself. Jaina metaphysics divides the universe into two everlasting, uncreated, coexisting but independent categories-(i) Jīva (the soul) and (ii) Ajīva (the non-soul). Logically it is a perfect division and unassailable. The soul is the higher and the only responsible category. Except in its perfect condition in the find stage of Nirvāņa (liberation), it is always in combination with matter. The body (the non-soul-Ajīva) is the lower category, and must be subdued by the soul.
According to Jainism, the Universe is uncreated and existing from eternity though undergoing modifications. Any object of knowledge that exists is called Artha which must be associated with Dravya (substance), Guņa (quality) and Paryāya (modification). A substance exists in its own nature and has its own attributes and modifications. Moreover, it is united with Utpāda or Sambhava (origination), Vyaya or Nāśa (destruction) and Dhrauvya or Sthiti (permanence), which are at one and the same time. One modification of a substance originates and other one vanishes; but the substance remains the same. Viz. the golden ring is changed into a new form called an earing, one form vanishes and the other one originates; but the substance gold remains the same.
Substance is divided into (I) Jiva (soul) and (II) Ajīva (non-soul).3 1. Jiva-Soul is the central theme in the Jaina system. The soul is
not created by anybody, nor is anybody created by the soul. It is essentially an unit of Cetană (consciousness) and Upayoga (conation). The soul is eternal but not of a definit size, since it contracts or expands according to the demension of the body in which it is incorporated for the time being. Souls are classified under two principle heads : Samsāri (mundane) and Mukta (liberated).
M
CATATAALA
ANALA MANAMAROSA
. .... ..
AA NAAAAAAA
gunsgaz NS-TECER 516299
izzf9d26 37
.129 3135