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thought or do the other way around. The Muniji follows the latter approach and some of the discussion should be followed with this perspective. This has resulted in some difficulties. For example, in a chapter related to some conflicting problems between Jainism and modern science, some points have been raised for which there is no scientific rationale. An attempt is also made to propose some scientific solutions. It is clear that there is much confusion in the units of length (Gaus, Dhanusya etc.) and time (samaya) used in Jain scriptures. At least some of the problems can be resolved if the choice of units is correctly made, but it is ultimately to be supported by scientific evidence. Geological records, particularly those dealing with fossils form scientific basis of evolution of life and consciousness on the Earth. There are no fossils in the geological record which will support human beings being hundreds of feet tall. The Carbon-14 method, which can be used only for the period of about 50,000 years, can hardly throw light over events occurring on million year scale.
Furthermore the carbon dating is on a firmfooting and the dates cannot be in error because of contamination which is known to affect some of the ages determined by this method. The discrepancy between some of the problems of this nature can be sorted out by a simple discussion among experts and taking the complementary approach.
Thave gone through the book with great anticipation, to be able to find some ideas, inherent in Jain thought, which may not be well known to modern science. But to find such gems would need a further investigation and understanding of both, science and philosophy. May be this book can serve as a starting point for such a pursuit.
30th Sept., 1999 PRL, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009
Dr Narendra Bhandari (Ph.D.,F.A.Sc., F.N.A.Sc.) Senior Professor & Chairman, Earth Science & Solar System, PRL Ahmedabad 380 009
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