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Atom in Jain Philosophy
intricate facets of truth. The subtle body stretches out so as to be in communication with the omniscient (kevali) from whom the information sought for, is secured. Thus, āhāraka-śarīra means-communication body.
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(iv) Taijas Vargaṇā: (Luminous Body)
The material belonging to this group is used by the soul to make a subtle body which always accompanies the soul in its mundane existence i.e. until it achieves emancipation. The body forms an essential link between the soul and its kārmaṇa śarīra. Energy required by the vital processes of the living organism such as effulgence and digestion is provided by the taijas body.
(v) Kārmaṇa or Karma-Vargaṇā
Matter of this group also called karmic matter is responsible for contaminating the soul and keeping it in bondage. Minutest activity of a living being-physical, mental or oral-attracts the karmic matter which unites with the soul and is then transformed into kārmaṇa sarira which is the basis of the mundane existence (in bondage) of the soul Every jiva roaming through the cycles of births and deaths (samsāra) carries the karma-sarīra with itself until it is finally emancipated.
Out of the above five bodies, the first alone is perceptible by the sense-organs and the others are subtle and imperceptible bodies. Each succeeding one is more minute than the preceding one in order1.
(vi) Śvāsocchvāsa or Ānāpāna Vargaṇā
Śvāsocchvāsa means respiration, as indicated by its name, matter in this group is what all living organisms need and use for the vital function of breathing.
(vii) Bhāṣā Vargaṇā
Bhāṣā means speech. Living organisms which are capable of producing speech give voice to their feelings. The matter of this group is essential for this process.
1. Tat. Sut. 2/38:"Param param sūkṣmam."
