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 38

Cell Structures and Functions
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buted over different regions of India where they could grow and adapt to their suitable environment to survive the exigencies of a changing world. The classification of animals by the Jainācārya into sthalacara ( terrestrial ), Jalacara (aquatic) and Khecara (aerial)91 beings, etc. throws light upon their habitat and ecology to which they could grow and adapt and make themselves better fitted in their survival.
The study of life of beings was made by the Jainācāryas in relation to environment, so climatic conditions have been described by them under the term Rtu '92 It has been sub-divided into prāvșt or varsā (Rainy season – Śrāvanādi or Asayujādih ), Sárad (Mārgasirşadhiḥ = Autumn), Hemanta (Māghadih - Winter ), Vasanta ( Caitrādih=Spring ) and Grisma (Jyesthādih - Summer ).93 The study of life in relation to environment probably began from the Vedic period94 and climatic conditions were similarly treated under the same term “Rtu' (Season ) which was first sub-divided into three seasons, viz. Vasanta (Spring), Grīşma (Summer) and Sarad (Autumn ).95. Rtu bas also been sub-divided into five seasons, viz. Vasanta, Grisma, Varsā, Sárad and Hemantaśiśira 96 or sometimes into six seasons 97by separating Hemanta and Sisira.
Bhagavati 7.5.282; Uttaradhyayana Sūtra, 36.171; Jivabhigama Sutra, 1.34. 92. Bhagavati, 7.3.275; 9.33.383. 93. Bhagavati 9.33.383. 94. Rgveda X. 9.6; Atharvaveda, VIII, 9.1.15; XIII, 1.18. 95. " Vasanto asvasidajyam grisma idhmah saraddhavi." Ibid. 96. “Sarade tva hemantaya vasantayā grīşmayā.." Rtava pañca, Ibid, XIII, 1.18. etc.
" Varşani....1" Atharvaveda, VIII, 2.22; VIII. 9.15. 97. “Grismo hemamtaḥ śigira vasantaḥ sarad va sāḥ" Atharvaveda VI, 55, 2, XII, 1.36;
V. 1,5,2,6,3,2,6,', etc.; “Grişmāsti bhūme varşāņi śaradhemantaḥ śiśiro Vasantaḥ, Ibid., XII, 1.26. “Tubhyamityäha şadvārtavah stuşveva 1”. Taittiriyasamhita, V. 1.5.2; "Şadıa stavaḥ" 1, Ibid, v. 1.5.7,3; “Şadvā rtavaḥ samvatsaraḥ " Ibid., V. 2,6,1. etc.