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 248

226 : Scientific Contents in Prākṛta Canons
Sankhya literature does not mention the word aņu or paramāņu but later scholars like Vijñānabhikṣu introduced it in their works equating tanmātrās as the essence or infra-atoms causing the formation of fine and gross world. This tanmātrikā system is more imaginary and philosophic than the atomist system, In contrast, the Jainas have a clear exposition of atomic base of the universe.
From the above, it may be opined that eastern atomism had its origin during 600-500 B. C. Democritus of Greece also happened to be living during 460-370 B. C. who developed atomism in the west out of inconsistencies of various theories of unitary elements from Thales to Empedocles (500440 B. C).
It would be very difficult to tell who is the first originator of atomistics. The east, however, wins the race as far as timings are concerned. It is also surmisable that each system developed its theory independently in the east and west as well on philosophical conceptual basis. There is no proper record to confirm either intellectual contacts or literature of this period between the two regions despite Mellor's suggestion of a historical possibility that the Greeks were influenced by Indian thought travelling through Persia. Rieppe definitely points out that the east has not been influenced by the west despite the fact that there are many similarities in approach and conceptions on many philosophical problems. However, it may be said that the development of various atomic theories took place during a very small period of time (about a century).
Table 2 summarises various atomic concepts. It will be clear that the eastern atomism excels not only the Greek one but the Daltonian one also in many respects. Also, the Jaina atomism, in particular, seems to be quite advanced contemporarily and even much akin to many concepts of twentieth century. The distinctive features of Table 2 lend support to this view.