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 46

Jaina Conception of Matter
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connected with each other in a manner which enables us to consider them as forming together one light-ray but we do not conceive a light-ray as a substance moving with the velocity of light. Just the same kind of connection may be held to constitute the unity of an electron. We have a series of events connected together by the causal laws; these may be taken to be electron, since anything further is rash influence which is theoretically useless”. 1
As explained, the universal principle of Reality is Dravya (substance), while its particular characteristics are Jīvadravya (sentient principle of living substance) and Ajsvadravya (non-sentient principle or non-living substance),2 Jivadravya is non-corporeal, tasteless, smell-less and indescribable; it is endowed with sentiency, it is soundless, non-apprehensible by a mark; and it is of indefinite shape (anirdistasamsthāna).3
The common characteristics of Jívadravya are that it is devoid of five colours, five taştes, two smells and eight touches, i. e. non-material; it is subtle and non-corporeal, neither heavy nor light; it is endowed with countless points and indefinite figure;4 while its uncommon characteristics are that it is the enjoyer and self-manifesting and manifester of others.5 Ajsvadravya6 is explained by making division of it into five cate1. Analysis of Matter, pp. 244-45. 2. Duvihā davvā pi tań jỉvadavvā ya ajivadavvā ya - Bhs.,
25. 2. 720; Avisesie davve visesie jįvadavve ajīvadavve ya - Anuyogadvāra sūtra, 123; Jivābhigama Sūtra, Ist chapter; Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, 36. 2; Satkhandāgama, Vol. III, p. 2; TS., V. 1-3; Pravacanasāra, 35, p. 178; Dravyasam
graha, 23; Gommațasāra, 562, 3. Satkhandāgama, Vol. III. p. 2. 4. Ibid., p. 1. 5. Uddhagal bhottā saparapagāsao ttijīvassa asāhāranalak
khaṇam, Ibid. 6. Bhs., 25. 2. 720; 7. 10. 307; Sthānānga 4.1.251;
Ajsvakāyā dharmādharmākāśa-pudgalāḥ – TS., V. 1; --Dravyāni Ibid., V. 2.