Significance of Spontaneous generation
In Jainism, spontaneous generation, known as sammurcchanajanma, encompasses several concepts related to the process of birth. It includes the generation of beings without apparent parentage and the natural formation of a body without direct reproductive participation. Spontaneous generation categorizes different types of yoni and distinguishes itself from embryonic births and special bed births. This understanding highlights the diverse modes of birth for various beings in Jain thought.
Synonyms: Spontaneous creation, Natural generation, Origin of life
In Dutch: Spontane generatie; In Finnish: Spontaani sukupolvi; In Spanish: Generación espontánea; In German: Spontane Entstehung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spontaneous generation'
In Buddhism, spontaneous generation signifies the belief in beings arising without preceding physical creation, a notion rejected by the ninth false view, emphasizing the importance of causal relationships in understanding existence.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The conception of beings without prior physical creation; a belief denied by the ninth false view.[1]
Jain concept of 'Spontaneous generation'
In Jainism, spontaneous generation (sammurcchanajanma) signifies birth without visible parentage, categorized into various yonis, where bodies naturally form without direct reproductive processes, differing from embryonic and special bed births.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The process of being generated without an apparent parentage, referred to as sammurcchanajanma.[2] (2) The process of birth that occurs without direct biological parentage, categorized into varying types of yoni.[3] (3) The mode of birth for the rest of the beings, referred to as sammurcchana, which is distinct from embryonic birth and special bed births.[4] (4) The process by which a body is formed naturally without direct reproductive involvement, referred to as 'sammurcchana'.[5]