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 406

384 : Scientific Contents in Prākrta Canons
later to be physical and functional in nature and not a form of mysterious force as suggested by Sikdar66. He has also called
completions as vital force or actual living material consisting of many substances nearing protoplasmic type causing the capacity to develop various vitalities. If both these terms are treated as unique mysterious forces, it will be difficult to explain them in current terms. Moreover, two forces for the same purpose seem to be superfluous. Secondly, this opinion has no canonical support as vital force theory is not teneable for the Jainas. Sikdar also seems to be off the track when he equates completion with a force and a nearly protoplasmic material as these two entities have different natures.
The names of completions indicate their physical nature, representing formation of various organs to perform different functions - internal and external. For example, the respiratory completion should mean development of nasal organ, heart and nervous systems. Any system requires energy, normally supplied by food intake during its digestion and metabolic transformation for working. In absence of respiratory system, the above processes will become difficult. Even the development of various systems will not be possible. Thus, completions are a physical phemomena and not supra-sensual as pointed by Akalanka. Actually, the respiratory inhaling or exhaling is perceptible in all normal and special cases. One of the nostrils is warmer than the other during the process. In a sense, they seem to be grosser than vitalities. The physicochemical or physiological processes occurring in various organs are known to generate energy to give strength and energy. Thus, completions are primary physical processes of developing body and its various organs and supplying the necessary caloric energy or force ( inherent outcome of food intake ) for different vitalities to grow and function. In other words they are primary growth of organs neceassary to develop characteristics of vitalities. This view conforms also the cause-effect relationship between the two. This view will support Sikdar's sugges