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FIVE TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE
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Leaving aside the canonical literature when Sruta is considered in its widest sense it enters into the province of Mati and it is difficult to draw a clear line of demarcation batween the two. Jinabhadra holds that all knowledge is associated with word and therefore, terminates into Sruta, the sphere of Mati is confied to the presentation of data. The classification of that data come under the province of Sruta. Mati contributes the stuff and Sruta arranges it into different categories. Jinabhadra. compares them with raw jute and rope made thereof. It is for this reason that Mati and Sruta are accepted as: existing in every being.
Umaswati in his Tattwārtha expresses a different view. He expands the sphere of Mati and contracts that of Sruta. He confines Sruta into canonical literature and all types of perceptual and conceptual knowledge are included into Mati. He says that the sense cognition, memory, recognition, induction and deduction, all are different types of Mati. This enumeration of the various types of Mati provides clue for the division of knowledge by the logicians. Avadhi Jñāna
The Avadhi is an extraordinary perception akin to clairvoyance. Generally, it is regarded as supernatural power obtained through penances or Yogic practice. But in the kingdoms of heaven and hell it is acquired with the birth. Perhaps, Jains have regarded extraordinary knowledge as a necessary equipment for enjoying the extreme types of both, happiness as well as pain. Avadhi
is confined to material objects only as its objects. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
