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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234 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
linear and colliding one. However, no details are specified by them. In contrast, the Jainas have given better and finer details about their dynamism. They presume the atoms to be static as well as dynamic. Their movements may be linear or complex, elastic or non-elastic, vibratory or otherwise'. It could be in different directions and it may or may not touch other atoms in their way. The cause of motion may be natural, external or both. The natural motion is, however, always irregular. When it is caused by external source like collision with other particles, it may have complex and non-linear motion. Normally, the motion is elastic, but there can be non-elastic motion also due to (i) absence of medium of motion, (ii) high velocity collision or (iii) bonding with other atoms32. Due to this, the atom looses its independence and free state of activity. The free atom has irregular motion only. The literature mentions seven types of motions - simple and complex vibration, linear or directional translation or transformation, collision and penetration and rotation. The scientists have added only spinning motion in atoms in addition.
Besides motions, the Jainas have also mentioned the speeds of atoms. Their speed can vary from a minimum of one space point to the maximum of the end point of this spacy world or lokākāśa of 1027 cms. (as per Einstein ) per unit instant time 34. The Greeks and Vaiseșikas have not mentioned the atomic speeds at all. The scientists have, however, calculated normal atomic speeds to be of the order of 104-106 cms. per second35. It could, however, be increased or decreased enormously depending on various conditions. The Jainas have not suggested normal speeds of atoms per chance due to lack of measuring teachnics. But they seem to point out the limits of speed. The scientists are not in a position to substantiate the highest speed in view of their maximum speed of 1010 cms for light -- so called massless mattergy of the Jainas. Despite current theories, it has still to be seen whether this could reach 1027 cms. The unit of time of Jainas is too small in comparison