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Journey to Freedom
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conclusion, thus arrived at, is retained rather permanently in memory. This is Dhārana ( retention ). All these stages of perception apply as much to the knowledge of a metaphysical doctrine as to a physical object such as a rope.
Prof. Gopalan opines that Jainas conception of four stages of sensory perception bears similarity with the analysis given by modern psychologists in this regard. To quote his words“It may be pointed out that the four stages of perception analysed by the Jaina philosophers are comparable to the analysis given by modern psychologists. The psychological insight of the Jaina-philosophers is extremely significant of their carefully and deeply analysing concepts relating to human mind.” 1
(b) Śruta-jñāna (Scriptural Knowledge ) – This knowledge is derived from the scriptures and the persons learned in scriptures. Samsksta word 'Sru' means 'to hear'. Śruta means heard'. Earlier Indian tradition was to hear and remember the scriptural doctrines, recorded at a subsequent stage. The preachings and sermons of Tirtharkaras (Jaina Prophets ) were subsequently recorded by their direct and immediate disciples who came in their personal contact. These writings are called 'Augas'. So the knowledge contained in these *Argas’ is called Aiga-pravişça-śruta meaning recorded in Angas But the subsequent writings by those who followed, are known as Aliga-bahya-śruta meaning recorded outside the Arigas. These are the two main classifications of Sruta. There are many sub-classifications, which we shall not touch.
Śruta is essentially the product of Mati, for the obvious reason that application of mind, logic and reasoning are essential for acquiring Sruta. As Umāsvätia puts it, “Srutam Matipiirvam” means Śruta is the product of Mati. Since Mati is the product of sense awareness, it mostly relates to present objects but Sruta can comprehend past, present and future,
1. Prof. Gopalan, S. : Outlines of Jainism, p. 64. 2. 'ci afaga', Tattvartha-sūtra, I. 20.
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