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 178

A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
157
TWO FORMS OF PARAMAŅU We have already seen that paramānu is indivisible, indestructible, inaccessible to senses and it cannot be burnt, nor can it be divided into parts. The description of these characteristics might trace some difficulty in the minds of modern scientists, because modern science has shown that paramāņu is not indivisible, it can be split,
If it is to be said that paramāņu is not indivisible, we cannot call it “Parama-aņu”. Modern science has shown that what we call paramānu, can be split. We do not deny this aspect of the nature of the paramānu as that which can be split. What we need is the recognition of the view that the Paramānu is the ultimate indivisible unit and it can be split. A satisfactory answer for this can be found in the Anuyogadvāra. There it has been suggested that paramānu has two forms: 1. sükşma paramāņu (subtle), and vyavahāra paramāņu (paramāņu from the practical sense).
The description of the paramānu as indivisible, indestructible etc. refers to sūksma paramāņu. Vyāvahārika paramāņu consists of aggregate of endless sükşma paramāņus.
Really speaking the aggregate of sūkşma paramānu is the nucleus of paramāņu (paramāņupiņqa). This cannot be grasped from ordinary or normal sense as it is subtle. And it cannot be split by ordinary instrument or weapon. As it is sūksma in effect, it is considered to be paramāņu from the practical point of view. And what the science calls 'atom' is the vyāvahārika paramānu (paramāņu from the practical sense). Therefore, Jainas also consider that if it is to split, it is practical paramāņu.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PUDGALA Pudgala has four primary characteristics : (1) sparsa (touch), (2) rasa (taste), (3) gandha (smell) and (4) varna (colour). In every paramānu of the matter these four characteristics are present. These
1 Anuyogadvāra (pramāṇadvāra) —Paramāņu duvihe pannatte, tam
jahā-suhumeya, vavahāriyeya. 2 Anuyogadvāra (pramāņadvāra). Anantānam suhumaparamāņu pog
galānam samudayasamiti samāgayeņam vavahāriye paramāņupoggale nipphajjanti,