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Atom in Jain Philosophy
11
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(A) Mono or single Type
We have already seen that non-absolutist Jains do not find any contradiction in the basic unity and the infinite multiplicity of an existent (real). In this case, the reality of infinitely infinite diversity of the physical existence does not contradict its inherent unity, since it is composed of ultimate atoms. The atomic structure of physical substance means that 'paramānu' is the ultimate unit of the entire physical reality. Paramānu is the indestructible physical reality and in this respect there is only one or single class of pudgala.
It should be remembered that this unity is substancewise (dra vyārthika) and not modificationwise (paryā yārthika). Jains do not accept the concept of 'absolute monism' that all ultimate atoms are absolutely identical
(B) Two Types
Paramāņu is the ultimate building block of the physical reality. It can exist in a free state and because it has in nate capacity to combine with other paramānus, they unite together and produce composite bodies, which are called skandha. Any modification in this would be due to fission or fusion of paramāņu. In this respect, therefore, the physical reality can be classified into two types :
(1) Paramānu or freely existing ultimate atom, and
(ii) Skandha or composite aggregate composed of two to infinite number of atoms.
Composite aggregates (skandhas) are again of two types: (1) catuḥsparsi and (ii) aştasparśī. Catuḥsparśī bodies, as the name indicates, have only four sparśa viz., hot or cold, dry or glutinous. Aștasparsi bodies, on the other hand, have in addition heaviness or lightness and hardness or softness (or roughness or smoothness). This means that catuḥsparśī bodies are aguru laghu i.e. neither heavy nor light. In other words, they are massless. The quality of mass is acquired when the material bodies become aștasparśī skandhas.
From some other aspects, also, pudgala can be classified into two types:
