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 276

Classification of Matter
In a gas, the molecules exist widely separated from each other, hence intermolecular attraction is almost absent and they move about as being independent of each other within the limitation of the walls of the containing vessel. It cannot preserve any definite shape or volume but pervades the whole of the containing vessel readily. So it cannot offer any appreciable resistance to any change either in shape or in volume.
TWENTY-THREE VARGAŅĀS ( CLASSES ) OF MATTER
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The group of matters of the same numerical value is called vargana (class). As for example, individual ultimate atoms (paraman us) which exist in the entire cosmic universe (lokākāśa) is called the first vargana. The aggregate which is formed by the combination of two ultimate atoms is called the second vargaṇā. The aggregate which is formed by the combination of three ultimate atoms is stated to be the third vargaṇā. In this way, on the increase of one-one ultimate atom the aggregates (skandhas), having countable, countless and infinite and infinitefold infinite units of matter are to be known as samkhyātāṇuvargaṇā, asam khyātāṇuvargaṇā, anantānuvargana and anantānantāṇuvargana1 respectively.
All these varganas, because of having alpaparamāņus (less or small quantity of ultimate atoms) cannot be received by soul. For this reason these are called agrahya or agrahana varganas (non-receivables). But the aggregates which are formed of ultimate atoms which are infinite times more than the number of abhavya jīvas (beings unfit to attain liberation) and infinitech part of siddhajfvas (perfect beings or souls), i. e. the aggregates in which there are such numbers of ultimate atoms are receivable by Soul.
1. Igaduganugai jā abhavan iṁtaguniyāṇū
Kham dha uralociyavaggaṇā u taha agahanamtariya, Pañcama Karmagrantha, 75.