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

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The Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy
ding quality of the cause." ." That is to say, according to the Vaiśesika doctrine of Pilupakaja, the emergence of new qualities takes place in the isolated atoms (plus) as a result of the action of heat.
Pitharapaka
The theory of Pitharapakaja propounded by the Naiyayikas maintains that the change of qualities takes place in the whole body (pithara), remaining structurally intact,2 as a result of the action of heat on the following grounds. It is perceived that a pot remains structurally intact even when it is being. burnt by the fire inside the potter's furnace. The recognition of the identity of the burnt pot and the unbaked one is not invalidated by a subsequent experience, but it stands as conclusive proof against the Vaiseṣika view which holds the two pots to be entirely different both numerically and qualitatively.* Secondly, it will be very difficult to explain the point how does the pot preserve its position when placed on the furnace which also is disintegrating by the action of heat, if the Vaiseṣika theory of the decomposition of bodies by the action of heat is considered to be valid. Thirdly, the Vaiseṣika theory of wholesale destruction and reaction makes it difficult to explain the question how should the reconstituted pot possess the same magnitude and shape as the original unbaked pot. Fourthly, it seems to be peculiar that an absolute new pot is found to exist exactly in the same condition in which the unbaked pot was 1. VSU., 7. 6, PPBhā., Pākajaprakaraṇaṁ, 3. VS., 7. 1. 6. 2. VSU., 7. 1. 6; PPBhā., Pakajaprakarana m; NK., p. 107; KV., p. 183; NM., Pt. II, pp. 11-12; Udyotakara, chap. III, Āhnika 1, Su 4.
3. VV., p. 447 (Vyomavati)-a commentary on PPBha. by Vyomašivacārya ed. CSS. "Evam ghaṭādināmavasthayitvam/na ca ghaṭādervinase kardamādibhirvinā punarutpattiyuktā, etc.
4. VV., p. 447. 5. VV., P. 447.