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 565

Medical Sciences in Jaina Canons : 543
mosomal contributions for embryo rather than limbal contributions.
(g) The developing embryo lies on the back, sides or mango-like curved postures in the womb. His activities and emotions correspond with that of his mother. He comes out of womb with his legs or head. His nature depends on auspicity or otherwise of his accumulated Karmas also. While coming out of the womb, the child weeps creating pains to his motheri.
(n) The embryo has only psychical senses, luminous and kārmic body at first. It does have neither physical senses nor body in gross. Its first intake is the emulsion made up of mothers blood and fathers semen. Later on, it intakes biochemical liquids, fludis or elixir produced from digestion process of mother's intake. This intake from all sides is later gradually transformed into various organs. Due to this the developing embryo does not have different types of excretions. Still later, it takes the elixir produced from mother's intake through a sprouted tissue“2.
(i) Different narratives in the canons indicate that the foetus is effected by physical and mental environment and thoughts of the mother. Her psychology effects the nature of the would-be child“. Modern scientists have confirmed this canonical opinion through experimental technics. Moreover, the nature and composition of semen and ovarious egg also effect the developmental characteristics of the foetus. The equation of completions with chromosomes does not seem proper as while one is said to be a form of energy, the other is a series of chemically complex compounds. The science of dreaming and prognosticism has also been related to pregnancy results as narrated in narratives of Kalpasūtra, Bhagavati and Antakrita.
(i ) There is mention of longings of pregnant women in the third or fourth month of gestations. These involve peculiar desires like artificial clouds, demon worship, eating of ones own husband's flesh etc. It is said that if longings are not satisfied,