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Tattvärthasūtra
The seemingly contradictory attributes (dharma) are established from the points of view, whether primary (arpita) or secondary (anarpita).
The substance has infinite attributes (dharma). The particular attribute (dharma) under consideration and, therefore, primary (mukhya) as per the need of expression, is called 'arpita' or 'upanita'. The other attributes (dharma), not under consideration and, therefore, secondary (gauna) as per the need of expression, are called 'anarpita'. This means that though other attributes are present in the substance but since, at that particular time, are not under consideration, these are secondary attributes. Thus, depending on the point of view, contradictory attributes are established in a single substance. For instance, there is no contradiction in the same person Devadatta being a father, a son, a brother, a nephew, and so on. In each case, the point of view is different. From the point of view of his son he is a father, and from the point of view of his father he is a son. Similarly with regard to his other designations. In the same manner, from the point of view of its general (sāmānya) qualities, the substance (dravya) is permanent (nitya). From the point of its specific (viseṣa) qualities – the modes the substance (dravya) is impermanent (anitya). Hence there is no contradiction. These two, the general (sāmānya) and the specific (visesa), are the two points of view that reconcile apparent contradictions and make possible worldly intercourse.
A question is raised. That which exists is governed by the doctrine of manifold points of view (relative pluralism). Therefore, it is proper that molecules (skandha) are formed by division (bheda), union (sanghata) and division-cum-union (bheda-sanghata). But there is this doubt. Are molecules (skandha) of two atoms (anu), and so on, formed by mere union, or is there any peculiarity? The reply is this. When there is union of atoms, these are transformed by combination into one object which is a molecule. Again, a question is raised: if it is
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