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 315

Weights and Measures 2: Length and Time Units : 293
Table 12 Useful Time Units in Other Systems
(a) Ghāti-based
(b) Muhurta-based
15 Nimesa 1 Kaṣṭā, K
1. 60 Prativipalāmśa
=
1 Prativipala, PV
2.60 PV = 1 Vipala, V 3. 60 V 1 Pala, P
30 K = 1 Kalā, KI 30 KI = 1 Muhurta, M (48 mts.)
4. 60 P 1 Ghati, G (24 mts) 1 minute = 54 x 104 Prativipalāmśa (P.Vs. )
1 Second 9 x 103 P. Vs. 1 P. V. = 10-4 sec. ( app. )
= 281 N (Nimeṣa)
=
1N
4.7 N
1/4 sec ( app. ).
Thus, P. V. seems to be equivalent to the unit of Avalika (10-4 sec.) of Jainas as stated above. This calculated equivalence is surprising and worth following.
This author has no idea whether any useful values have been calculated by Jaina seers on the basis of Palyopama or Samaya units. It seems that even on doing so, no comparable or pertinent data could be obtained as above.
The overall study of Jainological weights and measures seems to substantiate the fact that the Jainas had developed a tendency to create excellence in details upto the extent of miraculous mythology in comparison to other systems. The same trend is seen in the case of time and length measures on the minimum and maximum side of the scales. Whereas the other. systems describe them in reasonable units, the Jainas go in for mythological units as seen in many cases in Table 13. This process neither serves the truth nor it has a scientific aspect. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt a better method of quantitative descriptions which have a realistic base and consistency in results.
In the absence of this suggested trend, a continuous erosion of faith in religion itself has been taking place.