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306 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
(v) Heat is a form of energy and it can change into other forms of energy like light and electricity. There are large number of examples now to illustrate this interchange. But we do not find any mention in canons that heat could be converted into mechanical work and it can run machines. The process is known only since James Watt whose steam engine has revolutionised our whole civilisation. Similarly, conversion of electricity into heat as in heaters does not find any mention.
( vi ) The relation with heat and life is specific in Jaina philosophy. In fact, it is now known that all substances from atom to the Himalayas have certain energy contained in them during their formation which is available during their transfor
7 and breakdown. It is due to this internal energy that substances are found in different states in nature. If there happens some change in this energy, the temperature changes. Lowering of energy lowers the temperature and vice-versa. As the basic particle of matter has an inherent energy, it contains heat whatever its quantity may be. This fact applies to both stones and animals. If energy is a criteria of life, does it not mean that as it is all pervasive in the universe, the whole matter in it should be living initially ? This cannot be, then, divided into living and non-living. The canons support this view as they say that some disturbance or treatment makes living as nonliving36. Does this mean that this dual classification of entities is a later development ? Possibly, it may be a reason that the earth etc. have been said to be living in canons. One looks rocks grow and reach a height. This shows their birth and growth. The six-fold description of living of the first book - Acārānga and Uttarādhyayana holds basis for this view. That is why, boiled water has been assumed to be non-living and prescribed for Jaina monks. This principle of heat characterising life makes Jainas as Vedāntins. Are we ready for this interpretation ?
The current scientific theory states that heat is a general constituent of matter. This can not specifically be assigned to
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| SR No. | 001670 |
| Book Title | Scientific Contents in Prakrta Canons |
| 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 |