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There is no bond between a single-atom and other atoms with one, two, or three units of *snigdha* (smooth) or *ruksha* (rough) power. However, there is a bond with an atom having four units of *ruksha* power. Similarly, there is no bond between an atom with two units of *ruksha* power and atoms with five or more units of *ruksha* power. Likewise, the bond between atoms with three or more units of *ruksha* power and atoms with two or more units of *ruksha* power should be understood. This principle applies to atoms of different types as well. As it is said:
"A bond occurs between two atoms with the same type of power, when one has two more units of power than the other. This applies to both *snigdha* and *ruksha* atoms. A bond also occurs between a *snigdha* and a *ruksha* atom, following the same principle. However, a bond with an atom having a lower power is completely prohibited."
The word "tu" in the sutra is an adjective, which negates the prohibition of the bond and establishes the bond.
8597. Why is it said that a bond occurs with an atom having more power, but not with an atom having the same power? To answer this, the next sutra says:
"A bond with an atom having two more units of power is transformative."
8598. The word "guna" (power) is used in this sutra, referring to the "more power" mentioned earlier. The transformative nature of a bond is like that of wet jaggery. Just as wet jaggery, with its higher sweetness, transforms the dust particles on it by absorbing their properties, similarly, an atom with more power transforms an atom with less power. According to this principle, an atom with two units of *snigdha* or *ruksha* power is transformed by an atom with four units of *snigdha* or *ruksha* power. This leads to the abandonment of the previous states and the emergence of a new, distinct state, resulting in unity. Otherwise, like white and black threads, even if they are in contact, they would not be transformative and would remain separate.