Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 612

Sec. III]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
587
The first four instincts of the BhS, viz., āhāra (food), bhaya (fear), maithuna (sexual union) and parigraha (possession) and also lobha (greed) are the same as the food-seeking instinct, escaping instinct, mating instinct and acquisitive instinct of McDoughall respectively, while krodha (anger), māna (pride) and māyā (deceitfulness) correspond to the instincts of combat and repulsion and that of self-assertion, and the protective instinct respectively. The remaining instincts as defined by McDougall come under The the category of Loka-samjna and oghasamjna of the BhS. scheme of instinct as laid down herein appears to be more sound than that of McDaugall's theory, because some instincts, such as, instinct of repulsion, parental instinct, instinct of submission and instinct of appeal are not found among all beings (or animals). Conation
The process of thought and feeling leads to will or action owing to the presence of karma-matter in the corporate body. They manifest themselves into the form of mental, vocal and bodily activities' of various kinds, for all reactions of the soul are conditioned by the psycho-physical structure. The characteristic mark of activity is its causing the movement of the particles of the soul. The mental, vocal and bodily activities are subdivided into fifteen kinds according the nature of objects of realities, viz. satya-mana-yoga (mental activity relating to true thing) upto karmaṇa-sarira-kayayoga (activity of the karmana body).
The study of these principles of psycho-physical activities brings to light the noumenal and phenomenal aspects of beings which form the basis of Jaina Psychology as revealed in the BhS.
THIRD SECTION
Epistemology
Epistemology is the integral part of Philosophy, as it is the study of realities - the main object of knowledge. It is also
1 Bhs, 17, 1, 593.
3 Ib, 25. 1, 719.