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 34

Cell Structures and Functions
retina so that they can see them). According to modern biology, light sensitive cells exist in almost all living matter from protozoa to man. 54 The nose smells the touched and entered objects and the skin experiences the touch of touched and entered objects.55
23
This Jain view of sensation or irritability of beings is supported by Modern Biology to some extent which explains that "In man and other complex animals, certain cells of the body are highly specialized to respond to certain types of stimuli; the rods and cones in the retina of the eye respond to light, certain cells in the nose and in the taste buds of the tongue respond to chemical stimuli, and special cells in the skin respond to changes in tempetature or pressure."56 Gunaratna observes the sensitivity on irritability of plants like the Mimosa pudica (Lajjavatilata) to touch, "which show a manifest reaction in the form of contraction."57 According to modern Biology, the irritability of plant cells is not always so apparent as that of animal cells, but they are sensitive to changes in their environment. Protoplasmic streaming in plant cells may be speeded or stopped by changes in the amount of light. A few plants, such as the venus flytrap of the Caroliva swamps, have a remarkable sensitivity to touch and can catch insects."58
The Jaina view on the sensitiveness or irritability of living beings suggests their response to stimuli, physical or chemical changes in their surroundings, which are effective in evoking a response in most animals and plants, e. g. eye responds to light, certain cells in the nose to smell and the taste buds of tongue to chemical stimuli and special cells in the skin respond to changes in touch or temperature or pressure and ear to sound,59
Growth: 60
Growth means those processes which increase the amount of living substance of the body, measured by the molecules of nutrient or chyle 54. Bhagavati, 2. 5. 97; Pannav. na, Indriya padam 1, 1st Uddeśaka, Puṭṭhadā am, Pavitthadarm, Sutra, 990 1, p. 24.
55. Ibid.
56. Biology, p. 18.
57. Lajjalūprabhṛtīnām hastādi samsargāt (saṁsparśat) yatra samkocädikaparisphuțakriya upalabhyate 1" Tarkarahasyadīpiaa on V. 49, Gankratna. p. 58. Vide the positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus, p. 174.
58. Biology, p. 18.
59. Bhagavati, 2. 4. 99; Pannavana, Indriyaradam 15, 1st Uddesaka, Putthadaram
and pavitthadaram 9 0-1, Visayadaram, 992.
60. Sūtrakṛtānga, Śrutaskandha II, Adhyayana 3, Sutra 55-66.; Bhagavati, 1.7.61-2; Tandulavey aliya VV. 2-6; 7.3.2 6.; Tarkarahasyadipikä V. 9, Gunaratnaṭīkā.