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Epistemology of Jainas
Epistemological Function of Gunas : The term dravya is used in two senses. In ontology it means the substance or reality which has guna and paryāya as its other two aspects. In the field of epistemology it means the concept, which is responsible for the idea of generality or continuity. Below, we propose to discuss the epistemological significance of all the three.
Generally, it is held that a quality distinguishes one class or person from the other class of person. It is the differentia, on wbich the classification of substances is based. But, on examination we can see that it is the basis of uniformity also. It differentiates one class from the other; at the same time unites two or more members of the same class with one another and groups them together into one unit. For instance, conciousness is a quality of the soul. It distinguishes the intelligent existents from the non-intelligents; but, at the same time shows a uniformity amongst all the living heings. Thus, gunas perform the double function of pointing out the difference as well as the unity. But, this doubleness does not mean that gupas contain two different natures. Both functions are carried by the same nature. They are two sides of one and the same category. The positive side is related with unity; while the negative with discrimination.
In relation to paryāyas, qualitative as well as numerical, gunas serve as the uniting link and show the existence of a substantial continuity. The same soul passes through many modes of divine, human, beastly or bellish kingdoms, but stil) there is a substantial continuity in all of them. This continuity is based on the consciousness, which is a quality of the soul. We recognise all these stages of qualitative modes, occurring successively in the same person as soul, on account of consciousness. Similarly, in different persons also the uniformity of being soul is understood on the basis of consciousness. Corporeality (rūpitva) inter-links all the successive stages as well as the different numerical units of table, chair, jar etc. related with the same material stuff.
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