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Epistemology of Jainas
Vijñānabhikṣu does not recognize two forms of samadhi each under Anandānugata and Asmitānugata. He recognizes the six types only.
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Vacaspati Misra comprehends all the different kinds of samprajñāta samadhi under three classes:
1. Grahya-samadhi or concentration on external objects 2. Grahaṇa-samadhi or concentration on the sense organs 3. Grahitṛ-samadhi or concentration on the ego.
In the different stages of samprajñāta-samādhi the yogin attains certain miraculous powers (siddhis) which strengthen his faith in the process of yoga. They are achieved as the result of concer tration on different objects. No reason is given why these powers are attained or why particular powers are attained as the result of concentration on particular objects. These are the facts of actual experience of the yogin, and they have been recorded as such.
The Yoga system of Patanjali bears a striking resemblance with the process of spiritual development as depicted in the Jaina Āgamas.
The Jainas hold fourteen gunasthānas (steps of spiritual development) showing the gradual progress of soul. The first guṇasthāna is Mithyatva, which is like the first three stages of mind accepted in the yoga-system. But, in this stage also, according to Jainism, certain miraculous powers of inferior type are possible. The manaḥparyayajñāna (perception of the mind of others) is possible in the sixth stage only, which is attained by an ascetic. Omniscience is achieved in the thirteenth gunasthana when the avarana corresponding to the inertia (tamas) and Moha corresponding to the energy (rajas) are fully destoyed. The processes of the spiritual development as depicted in the yoga, Buddhism and Jaina systems is a separate subject for study. We have given short comparative notes wherever necessary.
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