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 310

Properties of Atom
275
(Principle of Rest) in the minimum and seven points of it in the maximum. That is to say, the point of space in which one ultimate atom exists is one and the same point of Dharmāstikāya and of Adharmāstikāya also. There can be six points of Dharmāstikāya on the six sides of a paramāņu-east, west, north, south, up and down. Therefore, one paramāņu can touch seven points of Dharmāstikāya at the maximum. But in the corner of Loka (universe) there can be the three points of Dharmāstikāya on the three sides of a paramāņu. For this reason it is stated that one paramāņu can touch the four points of Dharmāstikāya at the minimum. One paramāņu touches the point of Dharmāstikāya immersed in one point of space with it (atom) by the rule of "the whole is touched by the whole." The same explanation of this process of touch is to be understood in the case of Adharmāstikāya. But it is not comprehensible by this order of division whether a paramāņu touches the parts of Dharmāstikāya or of Adharmāstikāya in six directions of its own sides. There is no intervening space between one space-point and another. For this reason the contact which takes place between two points existing in close proximity should be accepted in the case of paramāņu with the unit of Dharmāstikāya existing in close proximity. It is futile to conceive of a part in a partless ultimate atom. A paramāņu pudgala touches the seven points of Ākāśāstikāya (space) at the minimum and maximum respectively because Akāśāstikāya is everywhere (all-pervading).2 It touches the infinite points of Jivāstikāya (Soul), for the infinite points of Soul can immerse in one space-point.3 If a paramāņu touches Addhāsamaya 1. Kevaichiñ āgāsatthikāya ! sattahim kevaiehim jīvatthi
kāya ? sesam jabā dhammatthikāyassa anamtehim kevaiehim poggalatthikāyapaesehim putěhe ? Goyamā ! anamte
him, BhS., 13. 4. 482. 2. Agāsatthikāyassa savvattha ukkosagam bhāņiyavvan,
Ibid. 3. Kevaiehim jIvatthikāyapaesehiņ putthe Goyamā ! anam
tehim, Ibid.