Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

Page 60

In Jainaism, knowledge is of five types i.e. mati (empirical), śruta (articulate), avadhi
(clairvoyant), manahparyāya (mind-reading) and kevala (omniscient).
Five-sensed tiryancas can
have guņapratyaya-avadhi along with mati and śruta." It is mentioned in Sarvārthasiddhi on Tattvārtha 1.25 that, "Clairvoyance is available to souls residing in any of the realms of existence whether they are fully or partially self-restrained or completely devoid of self-restraint." It is mentioned in Nāyādhammakahā that tiryañcas can have jātismarana, when they are preached by
spiritually progressed human beings."
On the theoretical basis of Jainaism, tiryancas cannot possess manahparyāya. But it is our practical experience that the tiryancas who live in the proximity of human beings, can understand the human feelings especially of his master. So we can speak about the capacity of mind-reading
(of course with limitations) in tiryancas. In Kumārapālacaritasamgraha 4, this practical observation is noted down.
In Hindu tradition, discussion about the knowledge in tiryancas is not found separately but with the help of the examples in story literature, we can say that Hindus also hold the same view about the knowledge of tiryancas.
In the books like Nāyādhammakahā and Upadeśapada, we get some examples of five-sensed tiryancas having anaśana-marana (death by fasting). We will discuss the matter under the point *vows'.
The Fourteen Points of Quest Applied to Five-Sensed Tiryancas
A model of 14 quests (mārganāsthānas) is a special feature of Jainaism. Five-sensed tiryancas are examined from these 14 quest-points in the ancient books like Şarkhandāgama, Dhavalā, Gommațasāra (I), Pannavanā and Jivābhigama. They are enumerated as gati, jāti, indriya, kāya etc. Apart from these points they are considered from the points of view like language, body, instincts, consciousness and many others. A full justice is given to the large tiryanca kingdom in Jaina tradition.
Tiryanca-human Relationship (i) In the fourfold realm or existence, human realm and tiryañca realm are very close. Especially human beings and five-sensed tiryancas are more closer.
(ii) In Mārkandeya-purāņa grāmya and aranya pašus are mentioned. We can name them as 'tame animals' and 'wild animals'. This classification is very common in Hindu texts but not found easily in Jaina texts.
(iii) In Hindu mythology, matsya, kūrma, varāha and narasimha are the tiryanca incarnations of Visnu and they are very much honored. The tiryancas like tiger, mouse, peacock etc. are closely connected with the deities like Durgā, Ganesa, Sarasvati etc. Some scholars of Jainaism mention
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