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The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
similar theory is found in the physical sciences, "Every atom exerts a force upon every other atom. The details and the magnitude of the force vary as between one type of atom and another, but in general the force is always a force of attraction when the atoms are at a distance apart greater than their normal diameters, changing to a force of repulsion if the atomsare forced very close together. Thus there will be a tendency for atoms because of their force of attraction to draw together and stick."1
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The Jaina view of upakārābhāva-pratighāta of paramāņu compares well with the view of modern science that beyond the borders of the finite universe even the light rays do not travel, as nothing lies beyond, probably nothing manifested; "light rays, apparently going in a circle, returning boomeranglike to their point of departure." That is to say, they are resisted or checked like pa ramāņus of Jaina philosophy at the last border of Loka (Universe) because of the absence of the support of motion.
1. Atoms and the Universe, p. 126. 2. Mystries of Space, p. 5.
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