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DIFFERENTIA OF A SUBSTANCE
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No. The purpose of its inclusion is described. मेदसाताभ्यां चाक्षुषः
| 8 || Bhedašanghātābhyām cākṣuşaḥ (28) 28. (Molecules produced) by the combined action of division (fission) and union (fusion) can be perceived by the eyes.
Though molecules are composed of even an infinite number of atoms, some of them are visible and some invisible. How, then, does the invisible become visible? It becomes visible by the combined process of division and union, and not by division. What is the reason for this ? When a molecule of minute size splits, it does not give up its minuteness. Hence it is invisible. Again another minute molecule splits. It combines with another molecule, gives up its minuteness and attains grossness. Then it becomes visible.
The special characteristics of substances such as the medium of motion have been described. But the common characteristic has not been mentioned. This must be described. सत् द्रव्यलक्षणम्
il 28 A1 Sal dravyalaksanam
(29) 29. Existence (being or sat) is the differentia of a substance.
That which exists is a substance.
What is existence ? उत्पादव्ययध्रौव्ययुक्तं सत्
lll go al Utpādavyayadhrauvyayuktam sat (30) 30. Existence is characterized by origination, disappearance (destruction) and permanence.
Origination is the attainment of other modes by souls or other substances by means of external and internal causes, without giving up their essential characteristics. For instance, the production of a pitcher from clay. Similarly, the loss of the former mode is disappearance. For instance, the loss of the lump shape of clay in the production of the pitcher. As there is no annihilation or origination of the inherent nature or quality, it is lasting. That is, it is permanent. The quality
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