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 340

Transformation of Matter
305
placed, even though it is entirely annihilated and an absolutely new one is produced. 1 “The change of position is, however, a matter of natural expectation, as is seen to be the case with bubbles of water among which the disappearance of one is followed by the appearance of another but not necessarily in the same place."2 Fifthly, the reproduction of the pot from the atoms into which the old pot was dissolved is supposed to take place without the essential conditions of the wheel, the staff, the measuring rod, etc., and without the activity of the potter. It seems to be a miracle, for the accepted law of causation is given here a wide scopes against the ordinary course of experience.
The Naiyāyikas deals with the question how does fire enter into the structure of the pot inside and outside without destroying it in this manner that the particles of fire can enter into its structure through its pores, for the porosity of the body of the pot is an undeniable fact proved by the oozing out of water particles out of it or the coolness of the outer surface.4 The porosity of an earthen body is demonstrated by the conduction of heat through it to boil the water or by the boiling of the paddy inside the pot without destroying it by way of decomposition and recomposition. The conduction of fire into the structure of the pot is not resisted by the pot nor the entry of the fire particles into it disintegrates its structure, for it is not an absolutely compact and impervious body which might not allow the penetration of fire into it. The entry of the minute particles of fire through the pores into its structure, though a mass of fire cannot effect an entry into it, makes the baking of the whole pot inside and outside.5 1. VV, p. 447. 2. NP., p. 312, vide Studies in Nyāya-Vaiśesika Metaphysics,
p. 96. 3. Na ca ghaçādervināśa karmā libhirvinā punarutpattiryuktā,
VV., p. 447. 4. VSU., VII. 1. 6. 5. Ye brjāvayavāste pūrvvavyűhaparityāgena vyūhāntaramā