________________
142
FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDIA OF MOTION AND REST
The media of motion and rest render assistance in facilitating motion and rest. If so the dual of upakāra must be used. No. The word derived in a general sense does not give up its number even when it is associated with another word. For instance, "The duty of an ascetic is austerity and study. "1 It comes to this. Just as water facilitates the movement of fish, similarly the medium of motion facilitates the movement of souls and forms of matter tending to move. Just as the earth gives support to objects like the horse, similarly the medium of rest is the common medium of rest for souls and forms of matter tending to rest. It is contended that the word 'upagraha' in the sutra is unnecessary, as the word 'upakara' is sufficient. But it is not unnecessary, for it is intended to avoid misinterpretation according to the order of words. Otherwise it would be interpreted thus. The medium of motion assists the motion of souls, and the medium of rest assists the rest of matter. The word 'upagraha' is used in order to avoid such a misinterpretation.
It should not be argued that the assistance rendered by the media of motion and rest can be attributed to space which is all-pervasive. For space has another function, and it gives room to all substances including the media of motion and rest. If we attribute these several functions to space, then there can be no distinction of universe and non-universe.
Again, it is contended that earth and water are capable of rendering assistance for motion and rest, and hence there is no use of the media of motion and rest. But it is untenable. The earth and water are special causes and the media of motion and rest are general causes. Moreover several causes
produce a single effect.
Another question is raised. Since the media of motion and each rest are of equal potency, motion and rest will oppose other and obstruct each other's force. But it is not so, because the media of motion and rest are not active forces but only passive media. Nor should it be said that these do not exist, as these are not seen like the non-existent horns of a donkey. 1 The word duty (karyam) is used in a general sense, and it is singular, even when it is associated with austerity and study (tapaḥśrute which is dual).
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
