Prakash Sancheti
Page 24
Text:
4. Mind Reading Knowledge (Manahparyaya Gyan):
To understand the nature of manahparyaya gyan, it is essential to know what matter is a mind made of. The Jain conceives an infinite number of groups of atoms called varganas. The first vargana is conceived to contain only such atoms which are alone and solitary and have not formed composite bodies with others. The second group contains composites of two atoms. The third group contains composites of three atoms and so on. By this process we arrive at a group containing an infinite number of atoms which are fit for making up the body (audrika) of men and animals. Then, follow a number of groups which are incompetent for any kind of body. Again, by the very process an infinite number of groups which are capable to create fine body (varikriya) of divine beings. In the same manner, monk's bodies are prepared. By the very process, groups are formed to create luminous body (Taijasa), speech (Bhasha) and the mind (Manas). It is to be noted that the finer the body, the greater the number of atoms but occupying less space. Now we get a clear picture of constituents of the matter that forms the mind.
The mind undergoes a process of change while thinking and the objective contents of this process are intuited by manahprayay gyan. Only human beings are competent to possess manahprayay. It is the special privilege of the gifted among the humans. Nandi sutra says that only they can attain the manahprayay gyan, who are uterine (womb) human beings, who possess longevity and have fully developed organs, who have right faith, self controlled and extraordinary powers (Riddhis) and are free from passions.
