Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001663
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: J C Sikdar
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Physics
File Size: 23 MB

Page 102

Elements of Matter
intelligence stuff (sattva) resulting in sense-organs, the other with the predominance of dead matter (tamas) resulting in sense-objects in their subtle (tanmātra) and gross (mahābhūta) forms. In fact, the concept of tanmātra comes very near to the Buddhist conception of elements of matter (rūpadharma). The fundamental difference between the two conceptions is that in the Samkhya system these elements are modification or appurtenances of an eternal substance. In Buddhism they are mere sense-data without any substance. The Vedāntist View on Elements of Macter
The Vedāntist view on the elements of Matter is almost similar to that of the Samkhya-Yoga system of thought. The only fundamental difference is this that Mayāl (illusion ) is admitted as the material cause of the Universe in place of Praksti of the Samkhya-Yoga. Besides, Matter is regarded without having atomicity2 of structure. According to the Vedānta, the five Mahābhūtas ( gross elements of Matter ), viz. earth, water, fire, air and ether, and their five sūkşmabhūtas (subtle forms of matter) represent the elements of Matter. The gross earth-matter is constituted of four parts of subtile earthmatter and one part of each of other forms of subtile matter. Similarly, it is the principle with other gross forms of Matter, viz. water, fire, air and ether (ākāśa) in regard to their respective constitution.
The following table represents the constitution of gross Matter (Mahābhūta), if āk, v, t, ap and ks stand for the five forms of subtile matter (ether, air, fire, water and earth) and ĀK, V, T, Ap and Ks for the corresponding five forms of gross Matter :Āk=āk4 (V, ty api ksı), ak4 being the radicle. V =v4 (ākı tı ap, kşı), v4 being the radicle. T =t+ (ākı Vı ap, kşı), t4 being the radicle. 1. The Central Conception of Buddhism, p. 10. 2. Brahmasutra, 1. 1, Sārkarabhāsya; Pañcadast 1.. 3. Brahmasūtra, II 2.11., Sānkarabhāsya; Pascadaśí 1.