Word glossary

Terms and definitions

Every technical term used in this portal, with a short gloss, a longer note, and the chapters where it matters.

8 terms

Āsravaआस्रव
Influx of karmic matter into the soul.
Identified with yoga at 6.2. Two kinds: sāmparāyika (with passion) and īryāpatha (passionless).
Chapter 1Chapter 6
Darśanopayogaदर्शनोपयोग
Indeterminate apprehension preceding determinate knowing.
Four kinds: cakṣu (ocular), acakṣu (non-ocular), avadhi and kevala darśana. It grasps the general before the particular.
Chapter 2
Guṇasthānaगुणस्थान
One of the fourteen stages of spiritual development.
From mithyātva (1) through samyag-dṛṣṭi (4), the vowed layman (5), the ascetic (6-7), the two ladders (8-11), kṣīṇa-moha (12), sayoga-kevalī (13) and ayoga-kevalī (14). Not named in the sūtra text but presupposed throughout.
Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10
Jīvaजीव
Soul — the conscious substance.
Defined by upayoga (2.8). Infinite in number, each occupying innumerable space-points, expanding and contracting to the size of the body it inhabits. Divided into transmigrating and liberated.
Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 5
Jñānopayogaज्ञानोपयोग
Determinate knowing — knowledge with specific content.
Eight kinds: the five knowledges plus mati-ajñāna, śruta-ajñāna and vibhaṅga-jñāna.
Chapter 2
Pradeśa-bandhaप्रदेशबन्ध
Quantity of karmic matter absorbed.
Determined by the degree of activity (yoga), and absorbed at all space-points of the soul simultaneously.
Chapter 8
Upayogaउपयोग
Conscious attention — the defining mark of the soul.
Two-fold: jñānopayoga (determinate, eight kinds) and darśanopayoga (indeterminate, four kinds). Present in every soul at all times, including liberation.
Chapter 2
Yogaयोग
Activity of body, speech and mind.
In the Tattvārtha Sūtra yoga means vibration of the soul's space-points, not meditative practice. It determines the type and quantity of karma bound.
Chapter 6Chapter 8