Biology in Jaina Treatise on Reals

SR No.: 001656
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 210
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Biology
File Size: 13 MB

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time.
1.
Biology in Jaina Treatise on Reals
Eka-Samaya-avigrhā
2.29
The linear or non-bend transmigratory motion lasts for one Samaya in
This is the section of motion (gati). This word has a feminine gender. Accordingly, there is this gender used in the aphorism 2.29 because of the same predicament. The non-obstructive or non-bend motion of the living beings and mattergic entities lasts for one Samaya in time to reach even upto the end of the universe.
2. Q. (The Sankhyas point out that) The soul is omnipresent and inert. Hence, it cannot have motion. Thus, there in no justification in presuming its motion.
A.
This is not correct. There are causes available for motion and transformation of the soul like a stone. Just as a stone is not capable motion by itself, but it is seen to have translational motion due to internal and external causes, similarly, the soul also undergoes bodily motions on account of its bodysize due to karmic subjugation. When it is dis-embodied, it has its natural motion like the upward moving flame of the lamp.
3.
Secondly, if the soul is assumed to be omnipresent and, hence, inert, there will be no world in the absence to motion. (Moreover, liberation is possible only due to austeritic or other types of activities).
Suppelementary Notes
1.
The following points are dealt with in the commentary:
(a) The linear motion is one-Samayal. The aphorism has feminine gender due to the word 'gati' (motion).
(b) The soul connot be inert because of its pervasivity. The worldly beings have always karmic bonds which lead them to different types of motions. There will be no worldly ways if the soul is taken as pervasive and devoid of activity. The Svetambara version of this aphorism is expressed in masculine gender in place of the feminine one here. Of course, it does not lead to any difference in the meaning.
2.
3. The linear transmigratory motion involves release from the earlier body, movement even upto the end of the universe to adopt new body and get embodied through proper physico-karmic intakes. All these activities take place in a Samaya unit of time.
For the liberating beings, this involves two steps - (i) release from the earlier physical body and (ii) motion through a distance upto the end of the universe. This linear motion is an arrow-like one.
4.
The aphorism also indicates that if the motion is non-linear, it may take longer Samaya units.
5. The liberating being undergoes this motion due to manifestation of natural infinite energy caused by the complete destruction of energyobstructing karma. For the worldly beings, the motion takes place due to
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