In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: JAINpedia: Jainism

Maṇapajjava (मणपज्जव) in Prakrit (Manaḥparyāya in Sanskrit) refers to “telepathy” and represents one of the five types of knowledge, as explained in the Nandīsūtra.—The heart of the Nandī-sūtra deals with the concept of cognition or knowledge in its various divisions and subdivisions. This is also an appropriate topic for a text that transcends all categories in the Śvetāmbara canon, for it can be regarded as a prerequisite to the scriptures. First comes the list of the five types of knowledge [viz., maṇapajjava, “telepathy”], known from other sources as well, such as the Tattvārtha-sūtra I. 9-33.

Telepathy (maṇapajjava) is acquired only by human beings born in the lands of the Jain universe where karma prevails – the karma-bhūmis. This means humans born in the Lands of Enjoyment – bhoga-bhūmi – where the notion of spiritual progress is irrelevant, cannot achieve it. This knowledge implies the possession of right faith – samyag-darśana – and a life of self-control, such as the one led by Jain ascetics. This type of knowledge is divided into various sub-categories depending on what it enables the individual to grasp, such as matter, space or time.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Pajjava, Mana.

Starts with: Manapajjavanana.

Full-text: Manapajjavanana, Paccakkha, Manahparyaya.

Relevant text

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