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TRANSFORMATION OF THE LOWER DEGREES
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does not combine with that of one, two or three degrees. But it combines with dryness of four degrees. The same does not combine with five and higher degrees of dryness. Similarly, it should be understood that there is combination of dryness of three degrees etc. with that of two degrees higher than itself. It should be understood similarly with regard to dissimilar types (i. e. greasiness and dryness). It is also described in the scriptures. “With the exception of the lowest degree, wherever there is difference of two degrees in greasiness and dryness, there is combination between similar or dissimilar types, such as greasiness with greasiness, dryness with dryness, and greasiness with dryness.” The word 'tu' in the sutra is the qualifying term. It particularizes' combination and excludes what is excepted.
For what purpose is combination declared to depend on higher degrees and not on equal degrees ?
बन्धेऽधिको पारिणामिको च
Bandhe(a)dhikau pāriņāmikau ca (37) 37. In the process of combination the higher degrees transform the lower ones.
From this section degree (guna) is taken. The higher degree is mentioned as the higher. Causing a change ineans imparting another nature (mode) like treacle. Treacle full of sweetness transforms particles of dust etc. that surround it, by imparting its sweetness to them. Similarly, higher degrees transform lower degrees. - So greasiness and dryness of four degrees etc. transform greasiness and dryness of two degrees. For that reason the previous state disappears and another state of four degrees is manifested. Thus combination (oneness) is produced. Otherwise the two would appear separate in spite of union, as in the case of a cloth woven with black and white yarn. If combination is governed by the rule enunciated, the duration of thirty sāgaropama kotikoti of knowledgeobscuring karmas etc. becomes appropriate
Existence is characterized by origination, destruction and permanence. This is the definition given of the substance. Now
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