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 Jajna Philosophy
qualities)1 and also elasticity (sthitisthāpakatva)2. As it is substantial, it has the following objective qualities, viz. number, magnitude, separateness, conjunction and disjunctions. Colour, taste, smell and touch are respectively specific qualities (Višesagunas) of the four material substances, viz. earth, water, fire and air and besides weight, fluidity, viscosity and elasticity are particular physical qualities of Matter, while number, magnitude, separateness, conjuction and disjunction and impulse are its general qualities (sāmānyaguņas). 4
It is to be noted that almost all the features of the nature of Jaina Pudgala (Matter) with the exception of its grahaņaguna (capacity to be received by Soul) are found to be existing in Matter as conceived in the Nyāya-Vaiśesika school in one form or other. Ancient Greek Conception of Matter
According to Compedodes and Aristotle, all matter is composed of one primordial substance called hyle or yelm5 which is identical in all bodies. The difference between various substances exist as a result of the presence of certain qualities in the varying quantities (or degrees) placed upon the Prime Matter by the four elements, viz. fire, earth, air and water. This conception of hyle or yelm (Primordial Matter and its elements) can be compared with Pudgala of Jaina metaphysics. The concept of the Primordial Substance founded on the theory of Aristotle continued for over than two thousand years. On the basis of it Alchemy, the forerunner of modern nuclear physics, aimed at transforming elements, particularly making metals 1. Rūparasagandhasparśaparatvāparatvagurutvadravatvasne
havegā mūrtaguņāḥ--PPBhā., Guņapadārthanirūpaņam,
p. 38. 2. Nyāyakandali, p. 272. 3. Samkhyāparímānapệthaktvasamyogavibhāgā ubhayagunāḥ
PPBhā.,--Gunapadārthanirūpanam, p. 38. 4. Ibid. 5. Atoms and the Universe, pp. 126-149.