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Verse 17 & 18
Again, it is contended that earth and water are capable of rendering assistance for motion and rest, and hence there is no use of the media of motion and rest. But it is untenable. The earth and water are special causes and the media of motion and rest are general causes. Moreover several causes produce a single effect.
Another question is raised. Since the media of motion and rest are of equal potency, motion and rest will oppose each other and obstruct each other's force. But it is not so, because the media of motion and rest are not active forces but only passive media. Nor should it be said that these do not exist, as these are not seen like the non-existent horns of a donkey. For, there is no difference of opinion among the learned of all schools of thought on this point. Indeed all men of wisdom admit the existence of objects - visible and invisible. Further, the reason advanced by the disputant is fallacious as far as we are concerned. For non-material substances such as the media of motion and rest are perceived by the Omniscient with his perfect knowledge (knowledge par excellence). These are also understood by the saints well-versed in the scriptures from the teachings of the Omniscient.
Jain, S.A., Reality, p. 141-143.
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