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 274

Classification of Matter
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matter in its discrete state is called paramāņu. They are thus described from the point of view of gross state for the aggregate of combined ultimate atoms, which is full in all parts, is stated to be a skandha, the half of it is called deśa and the half of that half is pradeśa and the indivisible unit is paramāņu. I The Jaina deśa and pradeśa of a skandha correspond to avayavin and avayava of the Nyāya-Vaišeşika respectively, Six classes af Matter
In Jaina Philosophy Matter is classified into six groups from the stand-point of grossness and fineness in its size, viz. bādarabādara, bādara, bādara-sūksma, sūksma-bādara, sūkşma and sūkşma-sūkņina? (grossest, gross, gross-fine, fine-gross, fine and finest). Pudgala-skandha (molecule) whose chedana (penetrability of penetration or cutting), bhedana (division or divisibility) and prāpaņa (portability) may generally be possible is called bādara-bādara (grossest), e. g. solids like earth, stone, etc. Pudgala-skandha whose penetration and division are not possible but portability can be possible is called bādara (gross), e. g. liquids like molten butter, water, oil, pudgala-skandha whose penetration and division and portability can not be possible at all, but which is apprehended by the eyes is called bādara-sūksma (grossfine), e. g. heat, light, electricity and magnetism. The ultra visible but intra sensual-molecules tangible to the four sense-organs except the visual organ are called sūksma-bādara (fine-gross), e. g. gases with air and others. The molecules which are ultra-sensual matters are called sūksma (fine). It is responsible for thought activities and is beyond the sense perception. The finest ultimate-atom is called sūksmasūkņina, because firstly, it is the finest of all forms of matter, 1. Khamdham sayalasamattham tassa ya addham deso iti
Addhaddham ca padeso avibhāgi ceva paramānu,
GS., JIva., 604. 2. Bādara-bādara bādara bādara-suhumam ca suhumabādaram
ca Suhumañ ca suhumasuhumam dharādiya hodi chab. bheyam", GS., Jiva., 602; see Niyamasāra, 21.