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Para-psychology and Jainism
167 of Vargapas (group of atoms ). The different atomic groups constitute the different bodies in the respective order of gradation--Physical, Fluid, Assimilative, Luminious and Karmic bodies, speech, respiration, mind, Karma Bodies etc.
A state of thought is a mode of mental-stuff. To perceive these mental modes is called telepathy. Mind is both physical and psychical according to the nature of atomic constituents. According to the Jaina doctrine of Karma, mind is a kind of inaterial substance made of Karmic atoms. Hence the psychical mind is the double principle of attainment and activity of cogoition.
Scholars are divided as to the fact weather telepathy should be conceived as perceiving the states and modes of mind alone as held by Jinabhadra”, Hemcandra3, etc. or it perceives also the external objects as held by Pujyapada Devanandi4, following the Avaśyaka Niryukti. To the former school in telepathy, we are directly associated with the states of mind engaged in thinking, denying the possibility of direct perception of external objects themselves and due to its association with the mental stuff, the object itself, is called mind. Hence external objects are also perceived by Telepathy. Anyway, the distinction between ordinary immediate knowledge, i. e., internal and external perception (Mati Jňa na ) and telepathy must be maintained because the mind is only inactive in Telepathy and is due to the potency of destruction-cum-subsidence Karma.
1. (a) Bhadrabahu : Ibid. (b) Jina Bhadra : Višeşāvaśyaka-Bhaşya, Yasovijaya
Jaina Granthamala, Banaras, No. 35 ( N. D.). 2. Jina Bhadra : Ibid. 3. Hemacandra : Ibid. 4. ( a ) Akaladkadeva : Tattvartha-sāja-vārttika, Ibid.
(b) Pūjyapada : Ibid. 5. Jina Das ; Ibid.
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