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

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The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
that there takes place evolution in all things except in the Sentient Principle (Cetanaśakti =Puruşa), while Jaina Metaphysics maintains that both Matter and Soul undergo transformation. In the Samkhya, there is stated to be the unmanifest and manifest conditions (avyakta and vyakta avasthā) of Prakști (Primordial Matter), while in Jaina Philosophy Jiva (Soul), Dharma (Principle or Motion), Adharma (Principle of Rest), and Ākāśa (Space) are unmanifest (avyakta). According to this philosophy, there is a state of aparispandana (nonvibration or non-mobility) of Soul (JIva). The worldly soul and Matter possess spandana (vibration or rotatory motion). Dharma and Adharma are the efficient causes in the motion and rest respectively of the worldly souls and Matter.
The Jaina conception of utpāda (origination), vyaya (decay) and dhrauvya (permanence)' of the reals corresponds to the Samkhya view of pariņāma (transformation) of Praksti or of all things. According to Jaina philosophy, there continues pariņāma (transformation) in the liberated souls, the worldly souls and all forms of Matter. Parispandana (vibratory motion) takes place in Matter. In the unmanifest stage of Praksti there is a state of equilibrium (sāmyāvasthā). The sadņšaparināma (evolution of like to like) of the Samkhya corresponds to the arthaparyāya of Jaina metaphysics which takes place in all substances--Soul, Matter, etc. The Sāmkhya maintains that when the disturbance occurs in the state of equilibrium of Prakrti, it becomes manifest, i. e. parispandana. In the Jaina tradition the principle of utpāda (origination) -- vyaya (decay) dhrauvya (permanence) is parispandana (vibratory motion). Soul is aparispandanātmaka (non-vibratory), but not so is kriyā (activity) of Matter. In regard to these parispandana and aparispandana of Matter it appears that the Jaina and Sāṁkhya views are one at the root of speculation about this problem.
According to the Nyāya-Vaišeşika, parispanda is found in 1. Utpādavyayadhrauvyayuktań sat, TS., V. 29.