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PUDGALA IN THE PHILOSOPHY
OF MAHĀVĪRA AND MODERN SCIENCE
H. S. Saruparia
Lord Mahāvira has resolved the whole universe to be composed mainly of two everlasting. uncreated and co-existent substances (Dravya) namely, soul (living, Jivā) and non-soul (nonliving, Ajiva)1 This non-living (Ajiva) continuum is further sub-divided into Dharma (Medium of motion for soul and matter), Adharma (Medium of rest for soul and matter), Akāśa (Space), Kāla (Time) and Pudgala (Matter and Energy). Thus, in all there are six Dravyas (substances), existing in this cosmos.? Leaving aside (for want of space) the discussion of other five Dravyas, we shall confine over attention to the last named substance Pudgala and ascertain how far its Jain conception stands the modern scientific
test,
The word 'Pudgala' has the derivation grafa Tufa fa qorça (Pud means to combine and gala means to dissociate), 3 that which undergoes modification by combinations and dissociations (with other particles). This definition conveys full significance in the light of modern Physics and Chemistry. Physical test :
Uranium being a radio-active metal-element emits day and night unceasingly Alpha (streams of Protons), Beta (streams of Electrons) and Gamma rays (ordinay light). It is then converted
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