Tattvartha Sutra

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Manu Doshi
Publisher: Shrutratnakar Ahmedabad

Page 44

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TATTVÄRTHA SUTRA
Nayas can also be divided in two categories of Dravyärthik Naya and Paryäyärthik Naya. When one takes into consideration the substantial aspects and ignores the differences, it is called Dravyarthik Naya. Dravya denotes a substance. As such, to call the soul as pure consciousness is Dravyarthik or the substantial point of view. When, however, one emphasizes the differences and ignores the substantial part, it is Paryäyärthik Naya. Paryäy denotes the changing states. To describe a soul as a human being is Paryäyärthik, because it indicates the state of soul, which is different from a heavenly or other state of existence. If such differing states can be translated as modes, this viewpoint can also be called the modal point of view.
There are various traditions about classifying Nayas. Sutra 34 classifies them in five categories of common view, generic view, practical view, linear (applicable at present) view and verbal view. Sutra 35 states that there are two sub-categories of common view and three of verbal view. Sub-categories of common view are, however, not seen in popular usage. Those of verbal view are specified as linear, derivative and literal. As such, there are following seven sub-categories of Nayas.
i) Naigam: This denotes generally acceptable view irrespective of the quality, time.or space. For instance, one sees a lake and states that it contains much water without specifying its quality, origin, since when it has been there or how long it is likely to continue.
ii) Sangrah: This denotes a generic approach. For instance, on seeing the same lake one would say 'Great American lake'. This statement classifies the lakes as American, Asian, African etc. but it does not specify whether it is Michigan or some other lake. The statement would be applicable to any