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Reality and Matter : Definition, Properties and Classification : 179
ings seem to be physical only. They lead to physical changes only. However, it has been stated that gross bodies or molecular aggregates are formed due to them. These are always in the form of aggregates in contrast to touch etc. which may be atomic also.
All modifications in matter taking place due to the above processes occur in two ways - distinctly and indistinctly. The latter are fine and comparatively momentary while distinct ones are clearly discernible and somewhat more durable. The above modifications of Umāsvāti or Uttarādhyayana belong to this class. They are caused internally or externally. The change of colour, formation of molecules, formation of curd from milk and the like are modifications due to internal causes. They are quite common even in our daily life. In some cases, cause of change has also been mentioned in literature. New age has not only identified the causes, but it has utilised them in many more fields. It must, however, be added that there are very few changes mentioned in canons which are of chemical nature. Function of Mattergy
Canons and Umāsvāti89 mention some of the functions of matter. It is said that they form the basis of bodies of living beings or six types of embodiments, the sense organs of speech, mind and respirations. They also cause and contribute to the feelings of pleasure, pain and livingness. Death is another phenomena which is also effected by matter through stopping respiration etc. These are normal observations and verifiable ones. Classification of Mattergy
Bhagavati mentions that reality could be described with respect to five angles - substance, place, time, mode and characteristics90. It is infinite with respect to all these angles. The scholars felt the necessity of classifying this infinite variety for proper studies. This has been classified in many ways. These classifications are based on many aspects like basic
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| SR No. | 001670 |
| Book Title | Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons |
| 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 |