Jaina Culture

Author(s): Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi

Page 66

KNOWLEDGE
57
Sensory Comprehension :
Sensory comprehension is generally divided into four stages sensation (avagraha), speculation (ihā), perception (avaya or apaya) and retention (dharana). Sensation is the first stage of comprehension of an object that follows in the wake of apprehension upon the contact of the sense-organ with the object. Speculation is the striving for a specific determination of the object cognised by sensation. It is different from doubt for the reason that it positively possesses the element of ascertainment. The mental state that relates to many contradictory features and is not able to differentiate the right from the wrong is called doubt. That state of mind which strives for the ascertainment of the truth on the ground of reason and which is to be successful at the next stage is known as speculation. Perception is the ascertainment of the specific feature of the object cognised in the state of speculation. It is the final determination of the particular character of the object of speculation. It involves the exclusion of the non-existent qualities as well as the deter. mination of the existent properties. Retention is nothing but the absence of lapse of the perceptual judgment. It includes the formation of mental trace which serves as the cause of its recollection in future. Recollection or recall is the cognition that has the stimulus of a latent mental trace for its condition.
Scriptural Comprehension :
Scriptural or verbal comprehension is the cognition derived from the reading or hearing of words of trustworthy persons. The knowledge embodied in scriptures, i. e., in the works of reliable authors or preceptors is also called scriptural knowledge. The cognition that emerges on account of the activity of the sense-organs and mind, is possessed of proper words according to the conventional usage and is capable of expressing its object clearly is verbal comprehension.