Answer

A parmāvadhi gyani is a soul who possesses avadhi jñān, a special kind of direct clairvoyant knowledge in Jainism. In simple words, such a person can perceive subtle material objects, distant things, and events beyond ordinary sense perception.

Explanation

In Jain philosophy, knowledge is broadly classified into several types. Avadhi jñān is one of them, and it is a higher, super-sensory form of knowledge.

A parmāvadhi gyani:

• knows things that ordinary people cannot see
• can perceive objects beyond the limits of the senses
• has this knowledge naturally due to karmic causes
• is not all-knowing like a Kevalgyani

This knowledge is still limited, because it does not reveal everything in the universe. It is powerful, but not complete.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that the soul has immense potential for knowledge. Parmāvadhi gyān shows that consciousness is not limited only to the five senses. It is a reminder that as karmas are reduced, the soul’s true powers begin to shine.

But Jainism also teaches humility:

• such knowledge is extraordinary
• yet it is still incomplete
• only Kevalgyān is पूर्ण, complete omniscience

Takeaway

A parmāvadhi gyani is a being with limited clairvoyant knowledge in Jainism. It is a high spiritual अवस्था, but not the highest one.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between matijnān, shrutjnān, avadhijnān, manahparyavjnān, and kevaljnān in simple terms.