Young Minds - 10
Why Some People have a Knack for Knowlege If you attended YJA’s October Educational Webinar, you may remember our speaker discussing karma theory. She elaborated on the eight types of karma, the first of which is jnanavaraniya karma, or karma that obscures true knowledge. Just as schools and colleges place an emphasis on learning, so does the Jain dharma. Every soul possesses knowledge, but most of it is clouded with karma. An enlightened soul has pure, infinite knowledge, knowledge that is neither exaggerated nor understated, but that is completely truthful. With right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, one will be on a path to liberation of the soul. But why is so much importance given to knowledge? What is so bad about stepping on a piece of paper or throwing your books down when you come home? Because we believe in karma, any form of disrespect to knowledge will have its consequences in the future. People who are unfortunately born with learning disabilities, or who are deaf, blind, or dumb, are this way because of their jnanavaraniya karma. If the knowledge a person possesses is obscured with mithyatva, or false faith, they will never be able to follow the right path to liberation. In school and college, we often become frustrated with our workload, but we forget how lucky we are to be able to learn so easily. We must remember to respect our teachers and books and avoid laziness and contempt. In fact, Jains observe a day known as Gyan Panchami, where we respect and worship knowledge. This year, Gyan Panchami falls on November 18. I’ll post more details on what Gyan Panchami is and how to observe this day in the near future, but respecting knowledge is something we all must do every day. So next time you want to complain about a time-consuming homework assignment in frustration, think twice. You’re pretty lucky to be learning in the first place. By Priyal Gandhi Director of Education
Five Types of Knowledge Mati Jnanavaraniya Knowledge acquired through the senses and the mind. All souls possess this type of knowledge.
Shruta Jnanavaraniya Knowledge acquired through scriptures and reading. All souls possess this type of knowledge.
Avadhi Jnanavaraniya Knowledge acquired through clairvoyance; with this knowledge, the soul can see past what just senses and the mind can see. Heavenly and hellish beings have this knowledge, as do certain, very spiritually advanced humans. Thirthankars have this knowledge since birth.
Avadhi Jnanavaraniya Knowledge acquired through telepathy. Thirthankars attain this knowledge when they renounce the worldly life. Some very spiritually advanced monks can also obtain this knowledge.
Keval Jnanavaraniya Infinite knowledge of the past, present, and future. This knowledge encompasses the other four types of knowledge as well. Arihantas, Siddhas, and Kevalis, all of whom have destroyed all their jnanavaraniya karma, possess this knowledge.