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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Scientific Contents in Prākṛta Canons
types of atoms - (i) fine and (ii) real or phenomenal. They have also been called as effect atom (fine) and (ii) causal atom (real). Absolute and phenomenal atoms are also described having similar meaning. In quite a number of descriptions, it is the real atom which consists of infinite number of fine atoms. A large number of properties canonically described refer to real atoms rather than fine atoms. This classification seems to have developed when there seemed unsurmountable difficulties in the concept of all paramāņus being assumed of the same type and forming a single class. This concept has not stood the scrutiny with times as shown earlier.
The atoms have also been classified in four aspective types49 - substantial, spatial, timal and modal. Almost all early literature refers to these types. The physical quality based classification consists of two hundred varieties of atoms. Their number could be estimated by assuming combinational aspects of 2 smells, 5 tastes, 5 colours and 4 touches (out of 4 opposing pairs), thus forming 2 x 5 x 5 x 4 = 200 varieties of atoms. If intensities of these qualities are also taken into account, infinite types of atoms may be thought of. Bhagavati 50 mentions 16 varieties of atom on the basis of four qualities which have grown to 200 later, it seems.
The current science also takes physical properties like atomic weight or number into account for atomic classification, Accordingly, they have 109 types of atoms at present with further chances of discovering and synthesizing newer ones. One is not in a position to judge which method of classification based on perceptible or measurable properties is better. But credence must be given to measurable properties. However, credit must be given to the Jainas in using physical properties for their classification, thus, excelling in this regard over the contemporary philosophies.
Conclusion
The above description makes it clear that the atomic theory developed by the Jainas has many qualitative and quan