Avadhijñāna: The Supersensuous Knowledge

Dr. Rajjan Kumar’s paper explains the Jain theory of avadhijñāna, a type of direct or clairvoyant knowledge. He begins by asserting that knowledge is an integral but infinite attribute of the soul and that karmic obstructions (jñānāvaraṇīya karmas) prevent the soul from realising its full capacity. Jain philosophy distinguishes between indirect knowledge (mati‑jñāna and śruta‑jñāna) and three forms of direct knowledge: avadhijñāna, manaḥparyāya‑jñāna and kevala‑jñāna. Avadhijñāna is defined as clairvoyant perception of material substances; it apprehends only things that have form and cannot know immaterial entities such as soul, dharma or space. Because it is a direct cognition by the soul without the aid of the senses, it is classified as supersensuous knowledge. The author notes that avadhijñāna is limited by substance, space, time and modes—the sphere of perception cannot exceed certain boundaries, which is why it is also called ‘limited knowledge’. Kumar distinguishes two types: bhavapratyaya, innate clairvoyance possessed by heavenly and hellish beings by birth, and kṣayopasama‑nimitta or guṇa‑pratyaya, clairvoyance acquired by human beings or animals through special merit or spiritual practice. The paper further discusses the dependent and independent nature of knowledge, arguing that the soul’s knowledge is ultimately independent but appears dependent due to karmic veils. Comparisons are made between Jain clairvoyance and concepts of extrasensory perception in psychology. Through scriptural references and philosophical analysis, Kumar emphasises that avadhijñāna demonstrates the soul’s ability to know objects beyond the range of the senses and illustrates the broader Jain epistemological framework, where gradual removal of karmic obstructions leads from limited to omniscient knowledge.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.