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

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202 : Scientific Contents in Prākṣta Canons
ctioning of our life. Current scientists have found the basic unit of living as protoplasm which has a company of molecular structures including nucleic acids. But how this company of non-living molecules bring about life ? This is the problem and a dividing line between science and philosophy. The sign of the living respirations - both ingoing and outcoming are also skandhas without which we cannot live long.
The second function of aggregates may be taken as spiritual or supra-sensual. The living beings have feelings of pleasure, pain etc. These depend on physical environment and changes therein which are all molecular. These actually effect the sensing system of our bodies leading to the corresponding sensations. These environments are very fine and consist of even the karma particles. Besides our own actions, their effects also lead to a variety of reflex actions and reactions producing characteristic aura around the body. Thus, the molecules not only create our lives, but they effect its course too indirectly. Different glandular secretions effect our mentality. All our tendencies towards better thought and actions are governed by the quality of karma molecules getting in and out of bodies. We require better type of molecules for better lives.
The above functions are directly related with our lives. However, the most important aspect of aggregations is their capacity to maintain, modify and form newer and changed objects of different types of molecules. This capacity is the base for development of modern amenities. The purification of water by alum, production of butter from milk, extraction of metals by borax and alkalis are examples of utilitarian changes of chemical nautre. Of course, few examples are observed in canons in this regard. This capacity of aggregation has been explored by the scientists extensively and as a result, we have a world full of entertaining materials. Could we say these materials will not lead to our spiritual development ?
Bhagavati 43 and Umāsvāti mention six embodiments ( earth, water, fire, air, plants, moving beings ), five bodies,