Classification Of Knowledge In Jainism
Jainism teaches a unique approach to knowledge, emphasizing its relativity. This doctrine divides knowledge into two primary categories: mediate (paroksha) and immediate (aparoksha). Mediate knowledge is acquired through the senses, involving something external to the soul, while immediate knowledge is obtained directly by the soul without sensory mediation.
Types of Knowledge
Mediate Knowledge (Paroksha):
- This includes any knowledge that the soul acquires through external means, primarily the senses and the mind. Since these rely on something other than the soul itself, Jainism considers such knowledge as mediated and, therefore, less direct.
Immediate Knowledge (Aparoksha):
- This type of knowledge is divided into three subcategories: Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya (telepathy), and Kevala (omniscience). These forms of knowledge are considered direct and immediate because they do not depend on the senses or the mind.
- Avadhi (Clairvoyance): This is the ability to perceive distant, minute, or obscure objects beyond the range of ordinary senses. It occurs when a person is partially liberated from karmic influences.
- Manahparyaya (Telepathy): This is the direct knowledge of others' thoughts, which one attains after overcoming emotional obstacles like hatred and jealousy.
- Kevala (Omniscience): The highest form of knowledge in Jainism, Kevala is complete and absolute, achieved when the soul is entirely free from karmic obstructions.
Mati and Sruta: Ordinary Knowledge
Mati (Sensory Cognition):
- This refers to knowledge acquired through the senses and mind. It involves a four-step process: sensation (avagraha), speculation (iha), judgment (avaya), and retention (dharana). Mati knowledge is foundational to everyday experience and understanding.
Sruta (Scriptural Knowledge):
- This is knowledge derived from authoritative sources such as scriptures or teachings. It relies on understanding what is heard or read, making it dependent on sensory perception and mental interpretation.
Pramana and Naya: Valid and Relational Knowledge
Jain philosophy distinguishes between two types of knowledge based on their validity:
Pramana (Valid Knowledge):
- Pramana refers to knowledge that accurately reveals reality and leads to successful outcomes. Jainism recognizes three pramanas: perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana), and testimony (agama). These provide valid insights into reality, guiding practical and accurate decision-making.
Naya (Relational Knowledge):
- Naya is the knowledge of things in relation to different perspectives. It emphasizes the relative nature of truth, where different viewpoints can lead to varied interpretations of the same reality. This concept is crucial in understanding the multifaceted nature of truth in Jain philosophy.
Relativity of Knowledge
Jainism’s approach to knowledge is deeply rooted in the idea that all knowledge is relative and context-dependent. This view encourages a pluralistic understanding of reality, where multiple perspectives can coexist, each providing a partial but valid insight into the truth. The philosophy underscores the importance of recognizing the limitations of one's own perspective and being open to other viewpoints, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the world.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/nTxt9CmXsv4
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qxASqcUsimD6sDCFO6ahHB0vF0nRtWN4/view?usp=sharing
Jainism's knowledge doctrine highlights the relativity of knowledge, categorizing it into mediate (indirect) knowledge through the senses and immediate (direct) knowledge like clairvoyance and omniscience. It also distinguishes between valid knowledge (pramana) and relational knowledge (naya), emphasizing the importance of understanding truth from multiple perspectives. can identify and compare these with Darsana
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to note that Jainism has gone so deep in the knowledge of the soul. One of their knowledge is of the mind through senses and the other is without the involvement of the mind and senses. I often had telepathy with my friend. She was very close to me and she is such a good friend everytime I thought of something she already thought so and it happened wise versa. It is interesting that this class took me back to those days.
ReplyDeleteI understand that Immediate knowledge is acquired without sense organs. As the soul gets purer its natural state will emerge. It is self realization and it is supra sensual .
ReplyDeleteJainism's approach to knowledge emphasizes the relativity and context-dependence of truth, recognizing multiple perspectives and encouraging a pluralistic understanding of reality.
ReplyDeleteKnowledge in Jainism plays significant role in understanding truth. It is through true knowledge our soul can be liberated from the sins of external things. This knowledge gives the ideas of divine.
ReplyDeletePluralistic understanding of reality I need to have. Multiple perspectives enhance my knowledge. Mati Knowledge I have . I want to achieve rational knowledge before my exam.
ReplyDeleteJainism is a very practical religion. From this lesson, I learnt about various kinds of knowledge which are very applicable to my life. Now I am concious about my various sources of knowledge which I was not aware before.
ReplyDeleteWhat really fascinated me is the systematic organization of the knowledge based on the need of the time and well classified analysis on the basis of the sense and the scriptures.
ReplyDeleteJainism have strong roots in the knowledge. The two kinds of Knowledge is mediated and immediate.
ReplyDeleteThese classifications illustrate Jainism's deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of knowledge and understanding. By distinguishing between different types of knowledge, Jains aim to cultivate a clearer comprehension of truth, leading to spiritual development and ultimately liberation (moksha).
ReplyDeleteJain philosophy extensively and clearly divides the various kinds of knowledge. The theory of knowledge is given more focus as it is the means to attain liberation from the karmic process.
ReplyDeleteJainism teaches that truth is relative and shaped by different perspectives. It divides knowledge into mediate (paroksha) and immediate (aparoksha), showing that sensory knowledge is valid but less complete than direct forms like clairvoyance and omniscience. Jainism explains that truth can be seen from different angles, each giving a partial understanding.
ReplyDeleteI find the distinction between mediated and immediate knowledge in Jainism enlightening. The pursuit of higher forms like Kevala reflects a profound commitment to spiritual growth and understanding beyond ordinary perception.
ReplyDeleteJainism offers a clear view on knowledge, showing that we can learn from both outside experiences and our own inner feelings. By separating mediate and immediate knowledge, Jainism encourages us to explore both the world around us and our inner selves, promoting a well-rounded approach to learning and understanding.
ReplyDeleteThe insistence in Jainism on the relativity of knowledge makes sense even so, only if all opinions are relative can one indeed respond to the various statements made by others. Again, the very distinction it makes between knowledge immediate and mediate is a demonstration of profound appreciation for the complexity of reality.
ReplyDeleteJainism teaches distinction between valid knowledge (Pramana) and relational knowledge (Naya), highlighting the relativity of truth and the importance of multiple perspectives in understanding reality.
ReplyDeleteJainism divides knowledge into mediate (indirect) and immediate (direct) categories, emphasizing the relativity of knowledge and the importance of direct experience.
ReplyDeleteMediate knowledge is acquired through senses and mind and immediate knowledge is acquired through clairvoyance, telepathy and omniscience. I feel to connect both one requires meditation. once we assimilate these we will have better understanding of the self and world.
ReplyDeleteJain philosophy categorizes knowledge into sensory, scriptural, and intuitive to emphasize the importance of a well-rounded understanding for spiritual growth.
ReplyDeleteJainism's philosophy of knowledge is very practical. The philosophy of Jainism showcases that there were enlightened beings who wrote the philosophy of Jainism.
ReplyDeleteJainism provides a clear view of knowledge and their two types of knowledge mediate and immediate.
ReplyDeleteJainism’s classification of knowledge emphasizes humility and openness to diverse perspectives.
ReplyDeleteJainism emphasizes the relativity of knowledge, distinguishing between mediate (paroksha) and immediate (aparoksha) forms. Mediate knowledge relies on the senses, while immediate knowledge includes clairvoyance, telepathy, and omniscience. Jain philosophy advocates understanding reality through varied perspectives (Naya), promoting humility and openness to multiple truths.
ReplyDeleteJainism’s approach to knowledge is deeply rooted in the idea that all knowledge is relative and context-dependent. The philosophy underscores the importance of recognizing the limitations of one's own perspective and being open to other viewpoints, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the world. i like this way of understanding and helps me to build my own philosophy
ReplyDeleteJainism views knowledge as an inherent state of the soul, not something acquired externally. Knowledge is the soul's essence, comparable to a lamp that naturally emits light—it is an intrinsic part of the soul’s nature, not something it acquires.
ReplyDeleteJainism has classified the knowledge as mediate (senses) and immediate (souls). It emphasizes relativity of various forms of knowledge, and the importance of various perspectives and views.
ReplyDeleteMati (Sensory Cognition) refers to knowledge gained through the senses and mind, involving sensation, speculation, judgment, and retention.
ReplyDeleteJainism understanding of knowledge is very much connected with empiricism and Rationalism. The mediate and the immediate speaks of interconnection of soul and body, for some knowledge attained through senses some are from God through meditation.
ReplyDelete