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TATTVÄRTHA SUTRA
substances. They also relate to the impact of one substance upon another. The term used for the purpose is Upakär, which normally denotes benevolent help, but here it is used in the sense of the positive or negative impact of one substance or object upon another. It is easy to make out such impact, when a substance is tangible. Here, however, we have to deal with mostly intangible substances. The functions of such intangible substances can be laid on the basis of their properties.
The term “property' needs to be defined here. It is generally taken as equivalent to attribute, but the two terms have different connotations. Property relates to the inherent qualities. For instance, giving light is the property of a lamp. That property always stays with it and cannot be separated from that. In spiritual terminology, such inseparable properties are termed as Guna. On the other hand, attribute relates to the qualities that can be acquired or given up. For instance, virtue is an attribute. One can acquire and develop some virtue, but he can also give it up and become vicious.
As explained above, Jeev and Pudgal are imbibed with mobility and Dharmästikäy and Adharmästikäy have the properties of being instrumental in their movement and in remaining steady. Sutra 17 therefore specifies the function of becoming instrumental as their Upakär upon Jeev and Pudgal. Similarly, it is the property of Akäsh to give space to other substances. Sutra 18 therefore specifies it as Upakär of Äkäsh.
Pudgal being tangible, its impact on others can be laid in terms of its functions. Sutras 19 and 20 mention Skandhas like body, speech, mind, inhaling, exhaling, pleasure, pain, life and death as the functions of Pudgal. As stated in chapter 2, there
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