________________
112
JAINA PHILOSOPHY: AN INTRODUCTION
'cogito ergo sum.' In the same way, 'I perceive all things clearly and distinctly therefore they are true.'
To support the belief that doubt springs up even in absolute non-existence, the opponent may advance an argument like this Just as in a dream, a poor fellow raises a doubt and questions whether there is an elephant or a mountain before his house, though in fact, nothing like them exists there; so also, at other places, doubt can be raised in spite of the absolute non-existence of objects.
This argument of the opponent is totally baseless. In dreams, doubt arises on account of various reasons. As for example, when an object is seen or experienced formerly, the remembrance of that experience gives rise to doubt. Similarly, it is some past experience which brings a dream into existence and on the basis of that experience we reject the dream. Thus, doubt arises from an existent object and not from absolute negation. If such were not the case, doubt should also have to arise from objects like the sixth element (şaṣṭha bhūta) etc. which have never been existent so far.
The causes that bring dreams into existence are as follows:'
1. Previous experience - Certain acts like bathing, taking food etc. that have once been experienced are perceived again in dreams due to some reason.
2. Observation - When objects like elephants, horses etc. are perceived in a dream, the dream is said to have been caused by the observed objects.
3. Attentive consideration A dream representing acquisition of a beloved etc. is called the dream of the object which is attentively considered.
4. Hearing When places like heaven and hell, which are only heard of and not seen, are perceived in a dream. 5. Disturbance of health Ill health caused by physical disorders is also one of the causes of dreams.
Jain Education International
-
-
6. Deity - When one beholds a deity adverse or favourable in a dream, the dream can be called deity-caused.
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
