Jaina Biology

SR No.: 001543
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Total Pages: 340
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, Biology, & Philosophy
File Size: 19 MB

Page 137

126
Jaina Biology
Sumsumāra (Dolphins 137
Śumsumāra is of one variety only.
The Jalacaras (aquatic animals ) are classified into two groups, viz. Sammūrcchima (those which are asexually reproduced) and Garbhavyutkräntika (born from the womb ). All the Sammũrcchimas are Napumsakas (belong to the third sex ), while Garbhavyutkrāntikas are of three kinds, viz. Ittbi (female), Purisā (Male) and Napumsaka (that of third sex). Of these aquatic animals - developed and undeveloped there are 13 1/2 lakh varieties and birth places of them.38
Amphibia (MANDUKAJATI OR DADDURAJATI).
The land Vertebrates - Mandukas or Dadduras (frogs ) represent the amphibian animals. Frogs and toads are highly specialized for hopping. Although the frogs are land animals and can live in comparatively dry places, they must return to water to reproduce. “Eggs and sperms are generally laid in water and the fertilized eggs, nourished at first by the yolk, develop into larvae or tadpoles. These breathe by means of gills and feed on acquatic plants. After a time the larva undergoes metamorphosis and becomes a young adult frog or salamander, with lungs and legs”39.
A number of frogs, toads and salamanders have skin glands that secrete poisonous substances, for this reason they are perhaps called Mandukajāti āśīvisa, 40
Parisarpas ( Reptiles ) : Sthalacaras :
The class-parisarpa (Reptilia )41 is a living species of true land forms. They need not return to water to reproduce as amphibian must. They are oviparous animals. “The bodies of reptiles are covered with hard, dry, horny scales which protect the animal, from desiccation and from predators”. 42 The reptiles described in the Agamas are of two kinds,
37. Pannavaņā Sutta 1.67. 38. Ibid. 5.68. 1-4. 39. Bhagavati Sūtra 8.2.316; 12.8.160 ;
; Manduke hari-śātūra - plava - bhika - pla vangamāh varşābhūh plavagaḥ śālura jihva - vyanga - dardurā / (1354); Abhidhānņi cintamoni, Hemacandra, p. 38 ; Mandukka - Maņdayati Varsāsamayam - Madi - Bhekejalajantu bhide / praśna vya karana / Aśrayadvāra, vide Abhidhan Rajendra, p. 23 (y) Vyavahāra 1.6, Pra. 1.5
Bhā. 1. Biology, p. 234. 40. Bhagavāti Sūtra 8.2,316 4. Uttaradhyayana Sūtra 36.181 ; Pannavaņā Sutta -.76; 42. Biology, p. 243.