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THE MEASURE OF ALL-EMBRACING KNOWLEDGE 205
THE MEASURE OF ALL-EMBRACING KNOWLEDGE
Jainism is nothing if not exact and precise. It even aspires to encompass the infinite in terms that are as nearly precise and exact as possible. It gives us the measure, that is to say, the sum-total, so to speak, of points or items of knowledge comprised in the all-embracing wisdom of the Omniscient Soul. The Jainas are not satisfied with the general terms infinite and infinity for expressing their conceptions of huge, incalculable or inexhaustible numbers. They have need of very precise calculations for the purpose of the diversified conceptions of the many-sided Jaina Siddhanta (Philosophy), especially in its higher aspects. The number of points in space is infinite; the number of moments of Time is infinite; infinite is the number of souls, and infinite, also, is the number of the particles, or atoms, of matter, in which the souls are embodied. Unless, therefore, there be a distincion of degrees and grades in the calculations of the infinite, the results are likely to be extremely unsatisfactory and quite bewildering to the finite mind, seeking enlightenment in the word of the Law.
The Jaina calculation comprises three distinct types of enumeration, namely,
(1) countable (samkhyata),
(2) countless (asamkhyata), and
(3) infinite (ananta).
Asamkhyata and ananta are further sub-divided into three classes each, namely,
1 preliminary,
2 advanced (or intervening,) and
3 ultimate.
Preliminary asamkhyata (countless) is termed pritasamkhyata; the intervening or advanced is known as yutkasamkhyata and the ultimate, as asamkhyatasamkhyata.
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