Jaina Biology

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Page 10

3IHETS-869 • 131 earth, etc. and there is no existence of soul nor the unseen force anywhere in the world.28
The other Marerialists maintain the view on the contrary that elements are non-conscious (acetana). Consciousness is not the character of elements nor the result of elements, while soul is the name of that tattva (reality) with which (soul) consciousness is related (as character or result).29
If conciousness would have been the character (quality) of elements, then it should have been found in all elements at all times, just like that the existence (existentiality), etc. (general character) and hardness, etc. (particular character) are found in the elements at all times in which they are found.'0
Now Haribhadra Sūri refutes Bhūtacaitanyavāda in this way that consciousness exists in elements as force (sakti), for this reason it is not perceptible, but consciousness existing in elements as force cannot be said to be non-existing in elements."
This force (sakti) and consciousness are either non-different by all means from each other or different by all means from each other. If they are non-different, then this force becomes consciousness and if they are different, consciousness should be related with something else.2
Again, the point of non-manifestation of cetanā (consciousness) does not seem to be logical, because there is no other entity (Vastu), covering consciousness and it is for this reason that the number of realities will go against the doctrine of the Materialists on the admission of the existence of such an entity.!!
Haribhadra Sūri further advances the argument to refute the contention of the Materialists that this thing is directly proved that the element has got the nature of these two