Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons

SR No.: 001670
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1996
Total Pages: 608
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Science, & Religion
File Size: 9 MB

Page 198

176 : Scientific Contents in Prākṛta Canons
Akalanka1 describes ten types of motions in them. These are projectile, uncoiling, wave, collision, immersion, gravitational, brownian, combinational, natural (air, fire etc.) and motion due to lightness. These are only translational motions. However, Bhagavati82 mentions, vibratory, penetration and transformatory motion also besides colliding and translatory one. The two terms -parispanda and parināma - normally refer to static and dynamic motions, translatory and transformatory motions. These various types of motions are indicative of a very good order of observational power of Jainas over the Vaiseṣikas who have only five types of actions like throwing upwards, downwards, contraction, expansion and movement. Moreover, what the Jainas have called a natural motion, they have assumed it to be a super-powered motion83. Current science also agrees to almost all types of these motions. However, they have two additional motions rotatory and spin. These motions are playing good part in the development of our physical comforts. The Jainas presume that even the fine atoms have motions of various types.
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Umäsvāti84 has mentioned 39 types of activities causing influx of karmic matter. These are more of mental character rather than physical and are not related to our discussion here. Modifications of Specific Attributes: Consecutive Properties All the attributes described above undergo modifications. These are called paryayas or modes. They are not coexistents like the general attributes. For example, colour will always be there in matter, but the specificity of colour is always changeable. The specificity of colour could be called a mode or the process of modification. These are temporary in contrast to general attributes. Mattergy is, thus, always associated with some permanent attributes and temporary modifications. It is these latter which are called consecutive properties. These are manifested in many ways. Grossness, fineness, shape, associated and dissociated forms and motion are found in matter while heat, light, sound, shadow, darkness and motion are