________________
232
Epistemology of Jainas
that the senses are modifications of a subtle and all-pervading matter (abarkāra) and are themselves all pervading in character.
The Function of senses
According to the Nyāya the function of senses is to establish a contact between object and the mind. The Mimārsā and Vedānta also hold the same view with a different process. According to Sānkhya also it is a vehicle of buddhi, which goes out and takes different reflections. This function cannot be performed by the visible physical structure, so something invisible with the capacity of performing that function is postulated and the same is the sense according to different systems. According to the Nyāya, Vedānta and Mimāṁsā that subtle element also is as physical as the body, but, its jogredients are finer than those of the latter. They do not take into consideration the outer structure which also is composed of the same element in grosser form.
The Buddhist conceives sepse-organ (indriya) as a kind of translucent subtle matter which covers the body when it is living. 1 It is like the shining of a jewel which cannot be cut into two, cannot be burnt, has no weight and disappears without a residue at death. It is nevertheless atomic, and is represented by five different kinds of atoms. The atoms of the organ of sight cover in concentric circles of the eye-ball. The atoms of the organ of taste, or more precisely, that matter which is supposed to convey the sensation of taste, covers in concentric semi-circles of the tongue. The atoms of organ of touch cover the whole body. Being as subtle as the rays of a jewel, this matter cannot appear alone, it is supported by gross matter (mahābhūta) of wbich the eye-ball and flesh in general are constituted.
1. S. Muktāvall p. 264
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
