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 312

Properties of Atom
277
That is to say, paramāņus are always in a state of flux by their vibrating (revolving), moving, combining with one another to transform themselves into skandhas. Hence it is explained that a paramāņu may or may not vibrate and transform itself into a state of vibration. 1
A paramāņu can make deśāntaragām Ikriyā (activity or movement of going to another place) from one space-point to another one. While making vibrating movement, it can make also deśāntaragāms movement. The motion can take place together with other movements like vibration, etc. Here the question arises how does a paramāņu existing in one space point make vibration. In the usual sense the meaning of the word 'eyai' is vibration, but it is not desirable here, for in that case there takes place the movement of a paramāņu from one space-point beyond it. Therefore, a paramāņu existing in one space-point can only make a revolving movement, but the revolution should be without any axis, because there cannot be the conception of an axis is a paramāņu. It is itself axis.
The movements of a paramānu such as, vibration, etc., can be samita (regular) and aniyamita (irregular) also, i. e. certain and uncertain. Here niyamitatā (regularity) or aniyamitatā (irregularity) of the movement of a paramāņu is conditional upon space-time. 2
In a paramāņu activity or motion can be natural (spontaneous) or it can be made by the combination of other paramāņu or skandha. The activity and motion which take place in Matter due to the instrumentality of Jīva (Soul or being) are called applied (prāyogika) activity and motion. But there cannot occur any activity and motion in a paramāņu by the instrumentality of JIva (soul) because a paramāņu cannot be 1. Bhs., 5. 7. 213. 2. Bhs., (comm)., 3. 3. 153. 3. Eşām ca ejanādibhāvānām kramabhāvitvena sāmānyatah
sadeti mantavyam na tu pratyekāpeksayā kramabhāvinām yugapadabhāvāditi, Bhs., (comm)., 3. 3. 153.