________________
(260) :
Chapters on Passions
cognitive and physical activities. Neither the author, nor the commentator has mentioned the quantitative meaning of the terms 'numerable' (Sankhyāta), a little more (Viseșādhika) and Āvali (which is now calculated to be equal to 104 sec. as per Mahendra Muni, SCPC, p.286). Thus, the states or times of different processes in the verses cannot be expressed in current quantitative terms.
However, the commentator states that the term 'Višeșa' should mean 'numerable Āvalīs' here (Vol. 1, p.305). Further, the commentator states that there is virtually no temporal difference between the stages of perceptual judgment, and memorisation (Dhāraņā). The time mentioned for the later refers to the imprints created by it.
The vocable knowledge is stated to have two varieties: (1) Lingual (worldly and super worldly) and (2) importal or inferential. It is further stated that the minimum respiration time refers to those of patients, deficient-sensed and fine one-sensed being etc. (p.311).
16.
This verse mentions the minimum time of respiration qualitatively. Generally, a human being normally respires 30-40 times per minute. It means the time for one respiration is about 1.5-2 seconds. This time is variable under different condition (say, during meditation or breath control etc). Hence, this cannot be stated accurately. And, then, there is the term 'little more than' which is also qualitative only. Hence, exact values of these times cannot be stated. If 'little more than' is taken as 'numerable Āvalīs' as in verse 15, it will be somewhat contradictory to scriptures.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org