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 ot Matter in Jaina Philosophy
the modal stand-point, because the modes of matter are infinite.
One class of Matter
All forms of matter are individually ultimate atoms, i. e. the finest forms of matter. Matters or forms of matter existing in uncombined or discrete state are ultimate atoms, 2 hence there is one class of Matter, i. e. paramānu (ultimate atom), with regard to the nature of ultimate atom. The ultimate division of Matter is only one ultimate atom. All forms of matter are ultimate atoms from the point of view of Niscaya Naya (real point of view). Therefore, an ultimate atom is one from the general stand-points and the class of ultimate atoms is one. 4 It is stated that there is one-one class of Matter with regard to dravya, kşetra, kāla and bhāva, viz. one class of ultimate atoms upto one class of molecules having infinite units (pradeśas) one class of matters immersed in countless space-points, one class of matters having the duration of one samaya (instant) upto one class of matters having the duration of countless samayas (instants and one class of matters having onefold black colour upto one class of matters having innumerablefold black colour and one class of matters having infinitefold black colour, thus with regard to the remaining colours, smells, tastes and 1. Khamdhā khamdhadesā, khamdhapaesā paramāņupoggalā,
cauvvihā ajsvapajjavā no saṁkhejjā, no asam khejjā aṇamtā, PV., 5. 268; see also Bhs., 25. 5. 740; Aņamtā paramāņupuggalā, aņaṁtā dupaesiyā khaṁdbā jāva anamtā dasapaesiyā khamdhā, anamtā samkhejjapaesiyā kbardhā, anamtā asamkhejjapaesiyā khamdhā, anamtā,
anaṁtapaesiyā khaṁdhā, PV., 5. 268 2. Paraspareņāsamyuktā paramāṇavaḥ TS., Bhā ļi, V.
25, p. 366 2; Tatrānavo abhandhāḥ skandbāstu baddhā eveti, TS.,
p. 366. 3. Ege paramāņu, Sthānā., 1, 45. 4. Egā paramānupoggalāņaṁ vagganā, Ibid., 1,57.