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HERMANN KUHN
SUTRAS
Chapter 5 of the Tattvarthasutra extensively describes the nonliving (ajiva) elements. Therefore they are not elaborated here.
Matter, space and time are the only three elements Western science is concerned about at present. 11 Science limits itself mainly to researching and describing our material environment. It directs the major part of its efforts to structure this environment in the best possible way according to its concepts. Yet the Western scientific model has no idea in which direction we may develop after we achieve optimal material comfort.
The elements jiva (consciousness) and ajiva (the non-living elements) constitute the universe. If they existed separate from each other, no further description would be necessary.
Yet within us and in our environment we constantly observe interactions between consciousness and the non-living elements. These interactions and the results they produce are an essential part of our reality. The elements jiva (consciousness) and ajiva (matter, space, time etc.) alone cannot adequately explain these interactions. Any complete description of reality therefore also needs to state: - how consciousness (jiva) attracts elements without the impulse of
life (matter, space, time etc. - ajiva) to itself - how this attraction develops into the firm bond (attachment) be
tween consciousness and matter, space, time etc. we continuously
observe in the world - what ends the growing of this bond, so that it does not increase
infinitely,
11 Though some branches of science are interested in mechanisms of
learning, sense-perception and motivation, modern psychology is mainly content to collect statistical data about behavior and perception to predict future conduct (much of it for the purpose of commercial advertisement and the promotion of products). Yet this empirical endeavor does not pursue an independent approach that goes beyond the matter-oriented theory of evolution.
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