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Chapter 6
Jaina Theory of Skandhas or Aggregations
Skandhas: Definition of a Specific Term
Primarily, the postulate of two classes of mattergy aņu, paramāņu-pudgala ( atoms) and skandha (aggregations) based on basic conceptual structure of matter is most important among the various classifications. The various atomic aggregations of the current times are now equated to skandhas. They are comparatively gross and perceivable. They could, therefore, be studied and described in an intelligible way. They are treated first in preference to finest anus or atoms. They are like trunk of a tree supporting the material universe.
The term Skandha is a typical and specific in Jaina philosophy representing a unit of mattergy different from atoms but composed of them. The scriptures define the term quite clearly with the following points :
(i) Aggregations are aggregates or combinations of atoms'. They are non-natural modifications dependant on other objects2.
(ii) They are gross and fine in forms. Some of them are visible to the eye while other may not be so.
(iii) The atoms in the mattergy are in a state of motion caused internally or externally3.
(iv) They can be taken by hand, received or bonded with others and handled as desired".
(v) There are smaller entities too like those formed from aggregation of two atoms. They may not be satisfying (iv) above, still by interpolation, they are also called aggregates, of course fine ones5.
(vi) There are infinite number of aggregates of different
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