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 319

The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
way the occurrence of mutually opposing conditions resisting and non-resisting (pratighatin and apratighatin) in an ultimate atom has been accepted in Jaina Metaphysics. In the physical sciences also the existence of such mutually opposing conditions-resisting and non-resisting, in matter is explained by demonstration. As for instance, X-Ray is non-resisting in comparison with any gross matter of different kinds; it does not stop on its way, but it is resisted by the thick covering of glass.
284
APRATIGHĀTA (NON-RESISTANCE) OF ATOM A paramāņu (ultimate atom) is non-resisting in its motion; nothing can resist, obstruct and stop it in its motion in the Universe except the above mentioned three conditions. Hence it is not resisted in its movement to another place; it is capable to exist together there where many other ultimate atoms exist: it is capable to make activity independently of those of others; it is able to move from there without any resistance, while existing together with other ultimate atoms. As these four natures exist in an ultimate atom, so it is non-resisting. A moving ultimate atom cannot be resisted by any other matter, any being and any other substance in this way. It goes off from the midst of all by making movement. It accommodates itself in the space-point in which other matters or soul or other substances exist, having gone there. It can make activities like revolution, vibration, etc., by its independent state, while accommodating itself with others. An ultimate atom is nonresisting in itself and non-resisting also to another material substances from this view-point, i. e. it does not resist others. Thus it is fully independent in this respect.
"THE NYAYA-VAIŠEṢIKA VIEW ON MOTION OF PARAMĀŅU (ATOM)
According to the Nyaya-Vaiseṣika, there is supposed to be two kinds of motion of free atoms, viz. creative motion and