Significance of Instrumental cause
In Jainism, Instrumental cause encompasses various elements that facilitate knowledge and transformation, such as the senses used for acquiring scriptural understanding and methods that contribute to spiritual practices. In Vaishnavism, it highlights the role of the Supreme Lord as the creator, distinct from material ingredients. Additionally, the Puranas and other philosophies emphasize the instrumental aspects ranging from divine agency in creation to physical tools facilitating change. Overall, Instrumental cause is crucial across these traditions, signifying means through which effects are produced or knowledge is attained.
Synonyms: Agency, Method, Process, Medium, Instrument, Tool
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Instrumental cause'
Instrumental cause in Hinduism refers to the mechanisms, like the Supreme Lord and divine figures such as Brahma, which facilitate creation and transformation, shaping the universe by acting as agents in the manifestation of effects.
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Causes that utilize qualities to produce effects, which is different from how actions operate as non-material causes.[1] (2) A type of cause that is responsible for the production of an effect; exemplified by the conjunction of the drum and the stick in producing sound.[2] (3) A cause that plays a pivotal role in bringing about changes, particularly in cooking, leading to unlike qualities.[3] (4) The physical means or forces, such as air motion, that facilitate the production of sound.[4] (5) The concept that Space and Time function as essential factors in the origination of all things, dictating that these things are produced specifically in place and time.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The cause that refers to the tools or means through which creation occurs.[6] (2) Signifies the Supreme Lord's role as a medium through which creation and life manifest.[7] (3) The dimension of the Supreme Lord's creative role, identifying him as the means through which creation is actualized.[8] (4) An agent or intermediary that facilitates the creation of something, like a potter crafting pots.[9] (5) The tools or means used to create an object, represented by the potter’s wheel and staff in the pottery analogy.[10]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The means through which creation and other processes take place, exemplified by Brahma and Shiva.[11] (2) The role of Brahma as a facilitator in the process of creation in accordance with divine will.[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The Supreme Lord as the instrumental cause indicates His role as the creator and preserver of the universe, separate from the material ingredients.[13]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The role of Atman as the necessary catalyst behind the creation of the universe.[14]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The philosophical notion relating to the agent that facilitates the manifestation of effects from a cause, here attributed to the Supreme Lord.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The tools or means used to effect change or create something, necessitating an intelligent user.[16]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The specific means, such as the senses, that enable the production of knowledge, particularly in the context of perception.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The condition set by the gods for a mortal to achieve immortality through a material source, in this instance, referencing the mountains.[18]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The role of Krishna as the true cause of creation and destruction, while others are portrayed as instruments in his plans.[19]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Brahma's role in creation as an agent who shapes the materials provided by nature.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) King Jalpa perceived himself as the direct instigator of the tragedy that befell his sons and priests.[21]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The means by which an effect is produced; 'mayamala' is described as the instrumental cause influencing the individual self's experiences.[22]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) In the context of this text, it refers to the role that Samadhi plays as a facilitator for the self-mutation of the material cause rather than being a direct physical contributor.[23]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A factor that helps to bring about a particular outcome, in this context, referring to vibhava as a fundamental cause in experiencing rasa.[24]
Jain concept of 'Instrumental cause'
In Jainism, Instrumental cause encompasses sensory knowledge's role in gaining scriptural insight, the importance of time in transformations, and various methods aiding cessation of activity, highlighting essential external factors influencing the soul’s actions.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The role that the senses play as a conventional method or means through which scriptural knowledge is attained.[25] (2) Instrumental causes are the various methods (gupti, samiti, dharma, anupreksha, parishahajaya, caritra) that help in achieving stoppage (samvara).[26] (3) The means or agent through which an effect is produced, particularly in connection with the transformation of substances.[27] (4) Time (kala) as a causal element that works in conjunction with other substances to create transformations (nimitta karana).[28] (5) Describes substances such as the medium of motion, medium of rest, and space, which assist in the activity but are themselves 'nishkriya' or inactive.[29]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A necessary condition or factor that contributes to the manifestation or effect of something.[30]
The concept of Instrumental cause in local and regional sources
Instrumental cause signifies the Lord's guiding role in creation, where He directs Prakriti as it initiates the process of origination, highlighting the importance of divine influence in shaping the universe.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The role of the Lord as the guiding force in creation, directing Prakriti in the process of origination.[31]