Tattva Sangraha Vol 1

Author(s): Kamlashila, Ganganatha Jha
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 96

CHAPTER III. Dealing with the Doctrine of Both God and Primordial Matter—being the Cause of the world.
Statement of the Doctrine.
COMMENTARY.
The following Text proceeds to show that there can be no functioning of Both (God and Primordial Matter) -
TEXT (94).
THE DOCTRINES OF 'GOD' OR 'PRIMORDIAL MATTER' SEVERALLY BEING THE CAUSE (OF THE WORLD) HAVING BEEN REFUTED, -IT FOLLOWS THAT THESE TWO TOGETHER CANNOT BE THE
MAKER' OT THINGS PRODUCED.-(94)
COMMENTARY.
In this connection, some Sanickyus (the Theistio Sarikhyas, followers of the Yogasystem) have asserted as follows:
* It is not from Primordial Matter alone that the various products are produced (as held by the Sankhyas in general); that is not possible, as that Matter is insentient; no insentient entity has been found to proceed to any activity, in the absence of a Controller -the Spirit' (as postulated by the Sankhya) cannot be that Controller, because at the time of the beginning of the world) he is entirely unconscious (the consciousness of the Spirit being dependent upon contact with the products of Primordial Matter, after these latter have come into existence). For instance, what the Spirit cognises, and is conscious of, is only a thing that has been already determined' by Intelligence; so that prior to contact with Intelligence, he is absolutely unconscious,--and cognises nothing at all; and until he cognises things, he cannot make or produce anything; hence he cannot be the maker' (of the World). From this it follows that God is the maker, not by Himself alone, but through the help of Primordial Matter. For example, Devadatta alone by himself is not able to give birth to a son, nor is the Potter alone by himself able to make the Jar."
The doctrines of God or Primordial Matter severally being the Cause (of the World) having been refuted, it follows that the doctrine of these two jointly being the Cause-maker-of things born,-i.e. of products-also becomes refuted.-(94)