Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

Page 132

A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
to the problem of relation of body and mind. Even if we consider that cerebrum is the seat of memory and is an instrument for the revival of memory, it cannot be said that psyche (cetana) is not there at all. Like the negative of the photo-plate, the cerebral cells do function as repositaries of past events in the form of memory. But the cerebral part cannot function as a guarantee of the future events. The problems regarding the 'how' and the 'why' of the cognitive function can only be understood if we posit independent of the cerebrum. In the case of the mechanical retention of the negative in the photoplate there is no variation nor novelty. It is a necessary mechanical and routine process, which can be explained by means of the rules of mechanical science. But in the case of human mind, we find there is variation and unpresentability based upon the relation of the past impression. There would be individual variation in the expression of mental states and the revival of past impressions on the basis of the retention of the past impressions. However, this can be explained only with the help of the function of a psychic energy which is distinct from the physical function.
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There has been rapid and phenomenal progress in the field of empirical sciences. This has been possible due to the enormous amount of systematic thinking and imagination which are expressions of the psychic energy (cetanā śakti). This proves the presence of the independent psychic energy.
The Russian Scientist Pavlov carried extensive experiments concerning the study of the physiological problems of conditioned reflexes. He carried experiments on the dogs and the experiments are called 'the dog and the saliva experiments'. In these experiments, he first rang the bell and then presented food to the animals. After some time he rang the bell but did not give food. He showed, by the quantity of saliva collected after ringing the bell, that the animals were conditioned by stimulus response to the bell and the food. There is no question of any mental states like expecting food. It is merely a physiological response without any element of independent psychic
states.
However, it is also true that experiments shown that by operating on the animal and removing particular parts of the brain certain mental functions became inoperative. But the psychic was not lost. The animal behaved mechanical, ate food and other physiological processes like blood circulation and the respiration were also normal.