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 269

Chapter 8 Weights and Measures-1 : Mass and
Volume Units
Jainological texts belong to two categories -(a) purely religious with the basic thesis of moral and ethical values and (b) semi-religious which have other aspects along with that of the first category. The earliest canons belonged preferably to the first category. It is difficult to tell as to how and when this category took the new shape of the second one. The first category is represented by Acārānga, Daśavaikālika, Kundakunda literature and others while the second category is represented by Umāsvāti, Aryarakṣita and others. It could be surmised that the second category must have developed later than the first one when sufficient knowledge about the physical world and events must have been obtained in a form to be given to common man. This knowledge is sensory in the first instance which is analysed by mind to give proper form and explanation. Barring super-sensory knowledge, all other forms are primarily relative and qualitative. This has to be expressed in a reliable and accurate form. And what else could be more accurate method than the mathematical or quantitative representation ? This could be done only when there is a firm basis of standardised units of weights, length and time. This gives reliability and credibility to descriptions.
The Jainācāryas realised this fact. That is why they have written many special and general treatises in this direction during different periods. It is somewhat later periods that the quantitative nature of many descriptions got diversified and the scientific mind of today has something to say for or against it. Nevertheless, the Jainas seem to be quite finely advanced