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

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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

Comments

  1. Cajetan PereiraAugust 12, 2024 at 11:40 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sam 24-PPL-033August 13, 2024 at 6:55 PM

    It 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Arun RajAugust 13, 2024 at 9:42 PM

    I 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 .

    ReplyDelete
  4. Prakash JosephAugust 16, 2024 at 9:28 AM

    Jainism's approach to knowledge emphasizes the relativity and context-dependence of truth, recognizing multiple perspectives and encouraging a pluralistic understanding of reality.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Irenius BeckAugust 16, 2024 at 10:10 AM

    Knowledge 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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ravindra EkkaAugust 16, 2024 at 6:59 PM

    Pluralistic 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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gulshan LugunAugust 18, 2024 at 6:18 PM

    Jainism 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.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jones VimalSeptember 2, 2024 at 9:07 AM

    What 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.

    ReplyDelete

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