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Properties of Atom
281
of vibration and innumerable samayas in the case of nonvibration from the points of view of time, etc.?
As to the rules of irregular and regular activity and motion of paramāņu the following points emerge out of the discussion on the activity and motion of it: (1) it is uncertain when an non-active ultimate atom will commence its activity and motion. They may start at any time between one samaya (instant) and countless samayas (instants). But after the passing away of countless samayas it will definitely commence its activity and motion. (2) It is not possible to say when an active ultimate atom will stop its activity and motion. It can stop them at any time between one samaya and the innumerableth part of an avalikā. But after an innumerableth part of an āvalikā it will definitely stop its activity and motion. (3) It is uncertain to presume what direction will be taken by a paramāņu in its deśāntaragati (cross space-point-movement). On the commencement of its motion spontaneously, it may make movement in any direction. But it is not yet determined which direction will be taken by it in its movement, if it is made by the action of other pieces of matter. (4) Besides, it cannot be said what kind of motion and activity it will make on their commencement. It is uncertain whether it will revolve or vibrate and move simultaneously on its course to reach another place. (5) It is not possible to say what speed-slow or fast, will be taken by a paramāņu in its commencement of its motion and activity. It is uncertain whether it will take the speed of motion of traversing one space-point in one samaya (instant) or the speed of motion for reacbing the last border Loka (Universe) in a samaya (instant) or any intermediate speed of motion between them.
But the following rules of regular motion of a paramāņu can be outlined in this way: (1) The deśāntaragati (movement from one place to another) of a paramāņu will take place in a straight line. (2) In the case of its curvilinear motion an
1. BLS., 5. 7. 217.
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